18th Century Engraved Portrait of George Savile, Marquis of Halifax by Jacobus Houbraken, 1747

Description

A superb 18th century engraved portrait of George Savile, Marquis of Halifax, Plate 82 in "The Heads of Illustrious Persons … more A superb 18th century engraved portrait of George Savile, Marquis of Halifax, Plate 82 in "The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain", written by Thomas Birch (1705-1766) and published in London by John & Paul Knapton in 1747. The portrait and vignette were engraved by the Dutch engraver Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780) after a painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723). This technically beautiful engraving depicts the Marquis of Halifax turned to his left but looking forward, wearing a draped cloak, a lace neckerchief and a long dark curly wig. An architectural oval with draped fabric is seen around the portrait. An elaborate scalloped curved molding below the portrait surrounds an engraved scene, which depicts Halifax, as chairman of the council of peers, offering the crown to William of Orange in the "Glorious Revolution", 1688-1689. The engraving is held by many museums, including The metropolitan Museum of Art, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Trust Collections, The National Galleries of Scotland.

There are a few small faint spots and mild toning in the lower right margin outside of the plate mark that does not affect the image. The print is otherwise in very good condition. less