18th Century Portrait Prints

This is an original 18th Century copper plate engraved portrait of Captain James Cook as a young man. It was engraved by J. Basire after a painting by William Hodges, published in London by W. Strahan and T. Cadell in the Strand in 1777 as the frontispiece to the official journal publication of Cook's 2nd voyage of discovery, "A voyage towards the South Pole, and round the World. Performed in His Majesty's ships the Resolution and Adventure, in the years 1772, 1773, 1774, and 1775". The journal was written by James Cook, Commander of the Resolution, which was the ship used for the voyage and William Hodges, who was the artist on board the ship. This famous image has been used in many articles and tributes to Captain Cook, including a Norfolk Island stamp celebrating his many accomplishments. This engraved head-and-shoulders portrait of Captain Cook is enclosed in an oval with the appearance of a stone border. Captain Cook is dressed in his naval dress uniform, with a topcoat over a lace shirt. The engraving is printed on watermarked laid, chain-linked paper. The sheet measures 11.5" high x 9" wide. There is some spotting, most prominently in the margins. The print is otherwise in excellent condition. Captain James Cook (1728-1779) was an English explorer, navigator, surveyor and cartographer, who dramatically changed what was known about the world through his three voyages of discovery in the 1770's. Cook's achievements are too numerous to include here, but for example, Cook charted much of the Pacific Ocean and discovered many island groups, including the Hawaiian islands, which he named the Sandwich Islands, in honor of the head of the British Admiralty and a patron of Cook's. Cook was the first European to explore the eastern coast of Australia, and he was the first to map the New Zealand coastline. He sailed farther south than any other explorer before him, disproving the belief that a huge land mass occupied the South Pole. He also explored the northwest coast of North America, including present day Alaska and adjacent portions of Russia. He proved that the Northwest Passage did not exist. Cook was an exceptional seaman, navigator and leader of men, which contributed to the success of his explorations, but also saved his ship and crew on many occasions when faced with challenges, such as storms in previously unexplored waters, like occurred in the Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast of Australia. He is also the first to require his crew to eat citrus fruit which markedly reduced the incidence of survey, which had led to large scale illness and death during earlier ocean voyages. As outstanding as Cook's skills were, they are even more impressive since they were self-taught. Having grown up the son of a farmhand in Northern England he had only four years of formal schooling. He taught himself astronomy, mathematics and other disciplines which were helpful when he continued his education, first in the merchant marine and then in the British Navy. Cook's adventurous career came to a sudden and unfortunate end in 1779, when he was killed in a confrontation with Hawaiian natives...

A Man of the Sandwich Islands Dancing (Hawaii) is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. John Webber (1752-1793) was the official artist for the third voyage of Captain James Cook (1728-1779). The purpose of this voyage was to discover the Northwest Passage and to explore the Pacific Ocean north of the Equator. These engravings were published in 1784-85 by G. Nichol and Thomas Cadell of London in the four large format atlas, Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Captain Cook was an extraordinary explorer known for discovering and mapping unknown territory and for his many contributions to the scientific world. These original engravings from Webber’s drawings and paintings are only a glimpse into this great man’s historical contributions that make him one of the greatest explorers of all times. This image shows a Hawaiian dancer...

This is a framed 18th century folio-sized colored stipple engraving with hand-finishing entitled "Le Mico. Buff, Simia Argentata. Linn", which was drawn and engraved by Jean Baptiste Audebert...

Etching on cream wove paper, 4 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches (120 x 95 mm), wide margins. Scattered light surface soiling, unevenly trimmed wide margins, all consistent with age. Likely printed...

Etching and engraving with hand coloring in watercolor on cream laid paper. 6 3/4 X 9 5/8 inches (170 x 244 mm), margins trimmed, image intact. Rubbing in the lower left image area obscuring the publishing information (which reads Published by Mm. Darchery, St. James Street March 11, 1783), scattered light foxing, corner loss, top left corner, well outside of image area. "SMP" collector's stamp in red ink on the verso (not in Lugt), and the name "Renier" and the initials "AR" in black ink on the verso. Colors are extremely fresh. Impressions of this work may be found in the permanent collection of the British Museum, and the Yale Center for British Art. Ex-Collection of Anne & Ferdinand Gabriel (F.G.) Renier, reknowned for their inspriational collection of children's books and works on paper, now housed in the Victoria & Albert Museum. _____ The devil officiates at the wedding of Tory Lord North, and Charles James Fox, the Whig statesman whose career spanned almost four decades in Parliament. The satirical scene is the signing of the Fox-North coalition, which was a short-lived partnership the two formed while combining forces in the House of Commons to oust then Prime Minister William Petty, Earl of Shelburne. Fox had fallen out of favor with the Irish born Shelburne, also a Whig, whose ministry remained in power just long enough to see the American War of Independence...

'The Honourable Lady Stanhope' Anne Hussey (Delaval), Lady Stanhope (died 1811) was the wife of Sir William Stanhope of Whig Park. James Watson (c1739-...

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed in the plate. Good conditions with foxing and folding. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes....

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Good conditions with slight foxing. Signed in the plate. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The...

Johann Jakob Scheuchzer (1672 - 1733) was a Swiss traveller naturalist and geologist. His best known scientific works are his paleontological 'Lithographia Helvetica' (1726) and his 'Physica Sacra...

'Diogene Cinico' Copper-line engraving by Pazzi after Giovanni Domenico Campiglia (1692-1768). From 'Musei Capitolini' a series of engravings showing the sculpture of the Capitoline Museum in Rome. 240mm by 170mm (platemark) 420mm by 270mm (sheet) Diogenes, also known as Diogenes the Cynic, was a Greek philosopher...

This is an 18th century copperplate engraved portrait of Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans, Lord Chancellor by Jacobus Houbraken in 1738 after a p...

This is an 18th century mezzotint portrait of Elizabeth, Countess of Northumberland, Baroness Percy by Richard Houston after a painting by Joshua Reynolds, published in London by Robert Sayer in 1763. It is a rare, full length portrait of Elizabeth, who was known as Lady Betty. Lady Betty stands, facing to the right, holding her coronet, and wearing her peeress’s ermine and velvet robes over a brocade dress. In the background are a column, a billowing drape, and the grounds of Alnwick Castle...

Gathering is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed on the plate. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes.

'Marie' Copper-line engraving by Pierre Francois Basan (1723-1797) after Van der vaart. Mary II (1662-1694) reigned as Queen of England, Scotland, a...

Satyr from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum" , is an etching on paper realized by Various Authors in the 18th Century. Monogrammed on the plate. Good conditions. The etching...

This is a set of three framed 18th century engravings depicting statues found in the Vatican, including: "Pescatore" (Fisherman), "Pastore" (Shepherd) and "Istrione" (Actor), "Gia ne...

A hand-colored portrait of Henry Prince of Wales, Son of James, engraved and etched by the Dutch master of portraits Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780...

A Young Woman of Taheite Dancing (Tahiti) is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook.John Webber (1752-...

Etching and burin on paper. Image dimension: 37.8x29 On the lower margin from left to right under the composition "Fran. co Maggiotto inv." and then "Gio. Volpato Sculp. appo Nic. ...

This is an 18th century engraved and etched portrait of Johannes Wesselius by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Jan Maurits Quinkhard. It depicts a half-height image of Wesselius...

Study of Horse - Plate 80 is an etching realized by Jean François Poletnich in 18th Century. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through confi...

This is an 18th century copperplate engraved portrait of Joseph Addison, Esq. by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, from "The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain", published in London in 1748 by John & Paul Knapton. It depicts a bust portrait of Addison in an ornamental oval. He is turned to his right, but he is looking directly at the viewer. He is wearing a dark coat over a white shirt. Below the oval are items relating to plays, music, as well as the rod of Asclepius and books lying in foreground on the right. Joseph Addison (1672-1719) was an English essayist, poet, playwright and politician. he founded The Spectator magazine with his friend Richard Steele. In 1712, Addison wrote his most famous work, "Cato, a Tragedy". It focussed on the last days of Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, He was dealing with issues of individual liberty versus government tyranny. The play was particularly popular in America. It is credited as an inspiration for the American Revolution. General George Washington had Cato performed for the Continental Army at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. Several famous quotations from the American Revolution were inspired by passages in Cato, including: Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me death!", inspired by Act II, Scene 4: "It is not now time to talk of aught, But chains or conquest, liberty or death.") and Nathan Hale...

Camel is an artwork realized  in the 18th Century by an artisti follower of Stefano della Bella. Pencil Drawing.  The artwork is in good conditions . The artwork is depicted skill...

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...

Lithograph on laid paper realized by Heckel in 1927. Signed and dated in pencil lower right. Hand numbered 11/20 lower left. Provenance: Galerie Vayhinger, Radolfzell, Private Col...

This is a hand-colored portrait of John Tillotson, Archbishop of Canterbury, engraved and etched by the Dutch master of portraits Jacobus Houb...

Portrait after Raphael is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed in the plate. Good conditions with foxing and folding. The artwork is depicted through confident s...

Ancient Roman Bust, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", is an original etching realized by Nicola Fiorillo in the late 18th Century. Signed on the plate. Good con...

Jesus and Virgin Mary is an original modern artwork realized in the the Second half of the 18th Century. Original B/W Etching on paper. Sheet dimensions: 14 x 13 cm. Passepartou...

This is an 18th century copperplate engraved portrait of Lieutenant General Talmash by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, from "The Heads of Illustrious Perso...

Ancient Roman Relief, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by an anonymous artist in the 18th century. ...

Portraits after Raphael is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed in the plate. Good conditions with foxing. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. Th...

This etching depicts a seated figure in a rustic interior, with meticulous cross-hatching creating depth and texture throughout the composition. The central subject is portrayed in a...

Ancient Roman Bust, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Ferdinando Campana. Signed on the plate, on the lower right. Good con...

Signed: Eisho zu From the series: "Contest of Beauties in the Pleasure District" (Kakuchi bijin-kurabe) Format: Oban Publisher: Yamaguchi ya Chusuke The courtesan Midorigi of the Wakamatsu ya bordello depicted against a decorated ground, holding an ornamental sculpture of an ox. Eisho Chokosai was a pupil of Eisho Hosoda, and is also known as Eisho Hosoda. Reference: Richard Lane...

Ancient Roman Statue, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Ferdinando Campana in the 18th century. Signed on the plate, on the l...

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Good conditions with foxing and folding. Signed in the plate. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes....

An Old Prophet Preaching is an etching realized after Henry Fuseli by Bromky published by T. Halloway in the late 18th century. signed on the plate. Good conditions.

Portrait is an etching realized by Jean Francois Poletnich in 1755. Signed in the plate. Good conditions with foxing and stain. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. ...

Portrait after Raphael is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed on the plate. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The etching was...

Study for Self-portrait is an original lithograph realized by Raoul Dufy in 1920. Good condition on a white paper. No signature. Raoul Dufy (3 June 1877 – 23 March 1953) was a Fre...

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Good conditions with foxing and folding. Signed in the plate. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes....

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Jean Francois Poletnich in 1755. Good conditions with foxing. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The etching was realized...

Ancient Roman Frescoes, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized from a design by Vincenzo Aloja after Nicolò Vanni in the 18th century....

Tears of sensibility- sympathy a poem- let's all be unhappy together ie the Whig club in distress etc. &c London: S.W. Fores, 1798. Etching on white wove paper, 9 1/2 x 15 3/4 inche...

London: c 1750. Steel engraving on cream wove paper, 5 3/8 x 6 3/8 inches (sheet) (142 x 162 mm), margins trimmed inside the platemark. Scattered handling wear, creasing and edge nic...

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Jean Francois Poletnich in 1755. Good conditions with foxing. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The etching was realized...

Le Petit Maitre (The Small Master) is an engraving made by the Parisian artist Louis-Marin Bonnet and realized in the second half of 1700 in Paris. Inside the matrix, the title is engraved on the lower center, whilst “A Paris, chez Bonnet rue St. Jacques” appears on the lower right. The state of preservation is somewhat good, except for fungal foxing spread on the left margin and some stains, of which one is more visible on the higher left of the image. The higher, lower, and left margins are fringed and present tiny tears. Louis-Marin Bonnet lived from 1736 to 1793 in Paris. He was a painter and engraver, and as such he invented one of the first color-printing methods with many matrices, with a pastel-like effect. In 1769, he published a treatise titled Le Pastel en gravure inventé, et execute par Louis Bonnet...

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Nicolas-Dauphin de Beauvais in the 18th Century. Good conditions with foxing. Signed on plate. The artwork is depicted through confident ...

Portrait after Raphael is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed in the plate. Good conditions with foxing and folding. The artwork is depicted through confident s...

Portrait after Michelangelo is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Good conditions. Signed in plate. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The etching wa...

The Study of Hand after Bouchardon is an etching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Signed on the plate. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The...

Portrait after Raphael is anetching realized by Nicholas Cochin in 1755. Good conditions. Signed in plate. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The etching was real...

Anatomy Studies is an etching realized by Jean Francois Poletnich in 1755. Good conditions with foxing. The artwork is depicted through confident strokes. The etching was realized...

Ancient Roman statue, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized in the 18th century. Signed on the ...

Jacques Casanova is an Etching realized by Johann Berka (1758-1805) The artwork is depicted through confident strokes in a well-balanced composition.

Self-Portrait is an original litograph realized by Raoul Dufy in 1922. Good condition on a white paper. No signature. Raoul Dufy (3 June 1877 – 23 March 1953) was a French Fauvist...

Ancient Roman Fresco Portraits, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Vincenzo Campana in the 18th century. Signed on the plate. ...

Ancient Roman statue of Aphrodite, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an original etching on paper realized by Filippo Morghen in the 18th century. Signed on the plate...

Ancient Roman Inscriptions in Herculaneum, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", is an original etching realized by Filippo de Grado ...