A PAIR OF MEZZOTINT PORTRAITS OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE (1744 - 1818) - BY THOMAS FRYE AND JAMES MCARDLE.

This fine pair of prints provide an exceptional example of the print-making industry in London in the mid-eighteenth century. These portraits of the Queen are particularly valuable for the detail with which her splendid and plentiful jewellery is depicted; Vile’s jewel cabinet was made to house these magnificent jewels, also in 1762. Impressions of these prints, or derivations from them, circulated widely in England in the early years of the reign.

They are remarkable for the delicacy with which the face is represented. As well as the mezzotint technique, the tonal properties of which made it particularly suitable for portraiture, Frye and Pether have used drypoint for the detail, a technique in which the surface of the plate is scratched directly with an etching needle in order to produce fine, delicate lines; this is particularly evident in the jewels around the Queen’s neck.

Thomas Frye was one of the most successful mezzotinters of his era, as well as a portraitist in oil, pastel and miniature. William Pether, who also painted portraits in oils, was Frye’s pupil for a time before the two went into partnership together as engravers. Frye’s distinguishing contribution to the print market was a large series of life-size portrait heads, engraved after his own works. Pether made his name with bravura mezzotints after paintings by Rembrandt and Joseph Wright of Derby which relied upon dramatic contrasts between areas of shadow and illumination.

James Macardle may be called the founder of the great school of mezzotint engravers of the eighteenth century in England, In his comparatively short but brilliant career he raised the art in England from a low level, to its greatest period.

1. Thomas Frye - Mezzotint of Queen Charlotte as queen. Bust length in profile right with hair up, tiara, pearl necklace and jewelled earrings, low gown, brocade bodice with jewels, and with ermine mantle. With English inscription below, including publisher's address, 'Printed for JOHN BOWLES & SON at the Black Horse in Cornhill London.’

Measurements Sheet: 37.0 x 26.7 cm Framed: 50 x 40 cm.

2. James McArdell - Mezzotint of Queen Charlotte as Queen. Bust length with hair up, tiara, jewelled earrings and necklace with pearl ropes, low gown, brocade bodice with jewels and pearls, and with ermine mantle. With English inscription below.

Measurements Sheet: 34.8 x 25 cm. Framed: 49 x 39 cm.

Condition: Good with light toning

Price: £1950 the pair.