Engraver
James Watson
, Irish, c.1740-1790
After
Joshua Reynolds
, English, 1723-1792
Title
Miss Theodosia Magill, (1744-1817), later Countess of Clanwilliam, wife of the 1st Earl of ClanwilliamMediumMezzotint
Dimensions
Sheet: 49.2 x 38.2 cm
Plate: 38 x 28 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1888
Object numberNGI.10383
DescriptionThe heyday of mezzotint in England spanned a twenty year period from about 1750 to 1770. The so-called 'Dublin Group', a band of Irish mezzotint engravers which included James McArdell and James Watson, dominated the scene. The technical virtuosity of these Irish mezzotinters captured the attention of Joshua Reynolds, the leading portrait painter of the day. He used their talents to advertise his paintings. Full length portraits of beautiful women allowed the engravers to demonstrate their skill in rendering elaborate costumes. Mezzotints such as this (after an oil of 1765) were much sought after by collectors and invariably fetched the highest prices.