James Malton, English, 1761-1803
Title: The Custom House, Dublin
Date: 1792
Medium: Etching
Dimensions:
Sheet: 31.2 x 43.3 cm
Plate: 31 x 41.8 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 1899
Object Number: NGI.11640
DescriptionThe English artist James Malton came to Ireland in 1785 with his father Thomas, a London engraver. Malton's best known work is his series of 25 aquatints of Dublin views, issued in six parts. He made most of the drawings in 1791 but the series of prints was not published in full until 1799, due mainly to financial difficulties. In 1790, Malton separately issued 2 prints, The Parliament House and The Custom House, of which this is an example. Printed in a brownish sepia ink, on laid paper, they were probably sold to test the market. This Custom House print was not included in the final series. Instead, Malton etched another plate which shows a slightly different view of the building.