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Engraver Paul Adolphe Rajon , French, 1843-1888

After George Frederick Watts , English, 1817-1904

Title

Sir Frederick Leighton, P.R.A

Date1880

MediumEtching

Dimensions

Plate: 43 x 30.2 cm

Sheet: 49.6 x 33.6 cm

Credit LinePresented, Brian Lalor Print Collection, 2014

Object numberNGI.2014.78

DescriptionIn 1850, Watts began a series of portraits featuring contemporary poets, painters and politicians. He regarded this ‘hall of fame’ as his legacy to the nation, presenting the final set of some 50 paintings to the National Portrait Gallery in 1896. This etching, based on a preparatory drawing, shows Leighton, a close friend of the artist, wearing the robes of President of the Royal Academy (P.R.A).
Inscriptionupper right: Published London, November 1st., 1880 by The British & Foreign Artists’ Association.
lower left: G.F. Watts [scratched in plate]/1880 [scratched in plate]/DRAWN BY G.F. WATTS, R.A.
lower right: ETCHED BY P. RAJON
lower centre: Sir Frederick Leighton P.R.A. / Imp. Ch. Chardon