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ID #SA1228234
FOR SALE
£1,400
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Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.
The Mezzotint Man
for sale €1,638     $1,778
£1,400
The Mezzotint Man

The Mezzotint Man

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2026
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Id #SA1228234
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Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.

18th century
Description

His Most Sacred Majesty George the III, King of Great Britain; and Her Most Excellent Majesty Charlotte Queen of Great Britain by Thomas Frye (Irish, Edenderry 1710/11–1762 London).

These fine pair of companion mezzotint portraits c 1762 depict King George III and Queen Charlotte as originally designed ad vivum (from life) by the Irish artist Thomas Frye (1710/11-1762) and engraved by Richard Purcell (who also published under the pseudonym Charles Corbutt).

His Most Sacred Majesty King George III is presented in a half-length bust view, facing slightly right. He wears an embroidered velvet coat trimmed with elaborate gold lace, an ermine-lined mantle, and a formal lace cravat. The Star of the Order of the Garter is visible pinned to his left breast, complemented by decorative blue silk shoulder ribbons.

Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Charlotte is depicted facing slightly left, dressed in magnificent coronation attire. Her dress features heavy ropes of pearls draped across her shoulders, loops of diamonds, an elaborate cruciform stomacher jewel at her throat, and an ermine mantle. Her hair is styled high with a fine lace veil and a small tiara.

The images of both sitters are hand coloured and placed against a dark, dramatic counter-lit background which is typical of 18th-century mezzotint printmaking. Their lower margins containing the expected formal cursive copperplate titles in Latinised English proclaiming their royal titles.

Being unable to obtain sittings from the King and Queen, Frye assiduously attended every performance in the theatre at which they were present. It is said that they were "graciously pleased to look towards him", and thus he was able to inscribe the plates: Thos. Frye, Pictor ad Vivum deliniavit.(Ralph Edwards, Apollo vol 21 Feb 1935 PP.. 90-2 Thomas Frye (1710-1760)"

This fine pair are housed in later fine quality antique ebonised Georgian style frames with gilt highlights.

Framed: 42cm x 36cm

Sheet: 26cm x 36cm

Price: £1400 (the pair)

Physical Dimensions
Height
42cm (16.54")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
3cm (1.18")
Declaration

The Mezzotint Man has dated these Georgian Royal Mezzotint Portraits to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1228234
Description
His Most Sacred Majesty George the III, King of Great Britain; and Her Most Excellent Majesty Charlotte Queen of Great Britain by Thomas Frye (Irish, Edenderry 1710/11–1762 London).

These fine pair of companion mezzotint portraits c 1762 depict King George III and Queen Charlotte as originally designed ad vivum (from life) by the Irish artist Thomas Frye (1710/11-1762) and engraved by Richard Purcell (who also published under the pseudonym Charles Corbutt).

“
His Most Sacred Majesty King George III is presented in a half-length bust view, facing slightly right.
The Mezzotint Man

He wears an embroidered velvet coat trimmed with elaborate gold lace, an ermine-lined mantle, and a formal lace cravat. The Star of the Order of the Garter is visible pinned to his left breast, complemented by decorative blue silk shoulder ribbons.

fig 1. A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
fig 1. Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.

Her Most Excellent Majesty Queen Charlotte is depicted facing slightly left, dressed in magnificent coronation attire. Her dress features heavy ropes of pearls draped across her shoulders, loops of diamonds, an elaborate cruciform stomacher jewel at her throat, and an ermine mantle. Her hair is styled high with a fine lace veil and a small tiara.

fig 2. A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
fig 2. Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.

The images of both sitters are hand coloured and placed against a dark, dramatic counter-lit background which is typical of 18th-century mezzotint printmaking. Their lower margins containing the expected formal cursive copperplate titles in Latinised English proclaiming their royal titles.

fig 3. A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
fig 3. Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.

Being unable to obtain sittings from the King and Queen, Frye assiduously attended every performance in the theatre at which they were present. It is said that they were "graciously pleased to look towards him", and thus he was able to inscribe the plates: Thos. Frye, Pictor ad Vivum deliniavit.(Ralph Edwards, Apollo vol 21 Feb 1935 PP.. 90-2 Thomas Frye (1710-1760)"

fig 4. A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
fig 4. Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.

This fine pair are housed in later fine quality antique ebonised Georgian style frames with gilt highlights.

Framed: 42cm x 36cm

Sheet: 26cm x 36cm

Price: £1400 (the pair)

Height
42cm (16.54")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
3cm (1.18")
Date of Manufacture

The Mezzotint Man has dated these Georgian Royal Mezzotint Portraits to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1228234
The Mezzotint Man
The Mezzotint Man
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2026

Dealers in fine antiquarian portrait prints

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The Mezzotint Man Profile Page

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A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
1 / 13
Archive I A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.

Pair of 18th Century Royal Mezzotint Portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte by Thomas Frye After Richard Purcell.

Archive II A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View II
Archive III A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View III
Archive IV A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View IV
Archive V A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View V
Archive VI A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View VI
Archive VII A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View VII
Archive VIII A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View VIII
Archive IX A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View IX
Archive X A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View X
Archive XI A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View XI
Archive XII A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View XII
Archive XIII A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
The Mezzotint Man

The Mezzotint Man
Telephone 07889 859729
Location
North Yorkshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/themezzotintman
Verified Since Mar 2026
Items For Sale 33
Items Sold 9
The Mezzotint Man
The Mezzotint Man
Verified Since Mar 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/themezzotintman
Verified
Mar 2026
For Sale
33
Sold
9
A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY ROYAL MEZZOTINT PORTRAITS OF KING GEORGE III AND QUEEN CHARLOTTE BY THOMAS FRYE AFTER RICHARD PURCELL.
Ref: SA1228234
A framed pair of 18th-century monochrome mezzotint portraits depicting King George III and Queen Charlotte in decorative ebonised and gilt wood frames.
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FAQs

A mezzotint is an intaglio printmaking technique developed in the 17th century that gained immense popularity in Georgian Britain for reproducing oil portraits. Artists created subtle tonal gradations by roughening a copper plate with a spiked tool called a rocker, then scraping and burnishing areas to produce light and dark values.

Georgian prints were impressed onto laid rag paper using black oil-based inks from etched copper plates. Framed examples were typically mounted behind glass in carved softwood frames finished with ebonised paint, black lacquer, or gold leaf gilding.

Authentic period mezzotints exhibit distinct plate mark depressions surrounding the image where the metal plate pressed into the damp paper. Under magnification, the surface displays fine velvety cross-hatching or rocker dots rather than modern halftone dot grids, often accompanied by age-related tone spots or foxing.

Pairing framed period portraits with minimalist furniture or modern wall palettes creates a striking visual contrast. Mounting them symmetrically above a console table, sideboard, or mantelpiece anchors the space while adding architectural rhythm and narrative depth.

Display paper prints away from direct sunlight, dampness, and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent fading and foxing. Frame them using acid-free archival mounts and UV-protective glass, ensuring the paper does not touch the glazing directly.
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