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Thomas Worlidge

1700 - 1766

Man with a Ruff by Thomas Worlidge
 

Man with a Ruff   1751

  Original etching and drypoint.
Signed with initials and dated in the plate.
Ref: Dack 146
S 132 x 105 mm; P & I 123 x 97 mm
£195
 
Excellent lifetime proof impression, with fresh drypoint burr, prior to the etched number in the plate. Prior to the first published edition of this plate which was issued by Worlidge’s widow, shortly after the artist’s death.

Thomas Worlidge was one of the first English printmakers to employ extensive use of the drypoint technique. He had already become famous for his outstanding genius as a portrait artist largely through his miniatures, however, it was his superb portrait plates of this sort that were to extend his fame and assure his fortune. He was commissioned to paint the portraits of many of the most famous people of his time, including those of the Royal family – Gilpin was moved to comment on his work “No man understood the drawing of an head better”.

In this superb portrait Thomas Worlidge developed his image by etching in the outlines of the subject and then working up the shadows and details with drypoint. This is a particularly fine lifetime impression printed before the drypoint burr of the copper plate began to show any signs of wear.

On cream laid antique paper with thread margins. Evidence of previous mounting at corners of sheet verso, otherwise very fine original condition.