Walter Hussey Burgh, M.P., (1742-1783), Prime Serjeant and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer

License image

Engraver William S. Barnard , British, 1774-1849

After Hugh Douglas Hamilton , Irish, 1740-1808

Title

Date1783

MediumMezzotint

Dimensions

Sheet: 48.3 x 36.4 cm

Plate: 38 x 27.8 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1887

Object numberNGI.10233

DescriptionHamilton's portrait of Walter Hussey Burgh is one of only two extant images of the politician and orator made during his lifetime; a remarkable fact given his well-known extravagance and love of show. Hamilton is known to have made at least five contemporary pastel copies of the portrait in Castletown, which dates to the 1770s. The mezzotint was produced soon after Burgh's death in September 1783. As a popular Dublin figure, demand for a print to commemorate Burgh was high and Sir Jerome Fitzpatrick quickly capitalised on this demand by lending his copy of Hamilton's portrait to be reproduced.
Inscriptionbelow image: Painted by Hamilton Engrav'd by Barnard / LORD Chief Baron BURGH/ "This ackowledged Light" "The noblest work of God."/This print is with the utmost Esteem dedicated to the Right Honble John Foster, / from an Original in his possession/by Sir Jerome FitzPatrick