Description
APOLOGIES FOR THE REFLECTIONS IN IMAGES
Master Crewe as Henry VIII
Joshua Reynolds, John Raphael Smith1775
This fine example is an original mezzotint
( not a copy or re-printed version ) and is well preserved under glass within an ebonised period frame.
These works are fairly rare with most only found within existing museum collections.
Sir Joshua Reynolds was known for his exceptional portraits of children, often commended for capturing their spirit of comedy, sympathy, innocence, and tenderness.
This portrait of John Crewe is modelled after a painting of Britain’s Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543). The print conveys the humour and satire intended by the original work, as the small, smiling boy mimics the mighty king.
After the painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds (c.1775, exh. R.A. 1776, no. 239, ‘Portrait of boy in the character of Harry the Eighth’; Mannings, 449; Private Collection, on long-term loan to Tate Britain). John Crewe, 2nd Baron Crewe of Crewe (1772 – 1835) as a young boy, full-length, wearing fancy-dress as Henry VIII, standing with his legs apart, hands on hips. Two spaniels at his feet and a view out to parkland through a window on the right.
NOTE
“Mezzotint. Second published state of the plate (originally published 10th December 1775). Following slight reworking and darker printing, engraved in italics: ‘Joshua Reynolds Eques Pinxit.’; ‘J. Raphael Smith fecit.’; ‘Published Jan.y 23.d 1776 by John Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London.’. “
An unidentified collector’s mark stamped in black ink at the lower left corner; an ‘E’, ‘L’ or ‘F’ inside a small circle, 3mm diameter. Inscribed in graphite, lower right corner, ‘507’. Inscribed in graphite on the verso: ‘CBM [Charles Brinsley Marlay]’; ’21’; ‘Master John Crewe’; ‘J.C.S. [Chaloner Smith]. 47.III’. An impression of the Boydell published state of the plate was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1776, no. 268 as ‘Portrait of a Young Gentleman’ (See Notes). P.168-1937 is an impression of the first published state (Russell, II/V).
Framed Measurements
Height 29 Inches ( 73 cm )
Width 23.5 Inches ( 60 cm )
Depth 1.25 Inches ( 3 cm )
VISIBLE IMAGE
Height 20 Ins (51cm) x Width 14 Ins (35.5 cm)
Condition
Very Good For Age / No Fading / original Frame
Delivery : UK £80 / EU £150 / USA £200
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES : 07765 856171
Quote Ref : 0907