‘Sir William Nairne, Lord Dunsinnan’ Dated 1799 by John Kay - Hand-coloured Etching Circa 1838

An authentic, early 19th-century original intaglio copperplate etching by the renowned Scottish caricaturist John Kay (1742–1826). This piece depicts the prominent Scottish advocate and judge, William Nairne, Lord Dunsinnan (1731–1811), clad in his formal judicial robes and wig.

The plate is etched with the artist's signature and date "J. Kay 1799" at the lower oval border and bears the plate index number "91".

This print was issued in the definitive 1837–1838 Edinburgh publication A Series of Original Portraits. It features exceptional line work and fine detail, enhanced by later hand-coloured translucent watercolour washes that bring the vibrant scarlet tones of the robes to life.

The print shows a distinct, heavy plate mark indentation, verifying its genuine antique intaglio printing method. It has been neatly hinge-mounted onto a contemporary, textured cream window mat board and is entirely ready for framing.

• Artist: John Kay (Scottish, 1742–1826)

• Date of Manufacture: Plate dated 1799, printed circa 1838

• Material: Hand-coloured etching on heavy rag paper

• Condition: Excellent antique condition. The engraving lines are crisp and clear, the hand-colouring is bright and even, and the paper is free from foxing, tears, or water staining. Cleanly mounted.

Dimensions

• Total mat window width: 19.1 cm (7.5 inches)

• Total mat window height: 24.2 cm (9.5 inches)

• Visible print aperture width: 9.6 cm (3.7 inches)

• Visible print aperture height: 13.3 cm (5.2 inches)

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