Joseph Wright of Derby

A Philosopher Shewing an Experiment on the Air Pump   1769

Mezzotint by Valentine Green after Joseph Wright of Derby.

Brilliant proof impresssion of the completed image, prior to title lettering and prior to first publication.

SOLD

Three Persons viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight   1769

Mezzotint by William Pether after Joseph Wright of Derby.

Outstanding impression in the earliest recorded state of the plate.

A truly exceptional early proof impression of this magnificent large mezzotint with the upper half of the inscription space still grey and with the early scratched inscription; before the inscription was strengthened and before the entire title space was burnished clean. In this earliest proof state, the mezzotint burr is totally fresh and the soft copper plate shows absolutely no signs of wear.

SOLD

The Captive   1779

Mezzotint by John Raphael Smith after Joseph Wright of Derby.

Exceptionally rare – this is by far the most scarce of all of the large mezzotints after the work of Joseph Wright of Derby. No impression is recorded in any major international institution outside England.

Finished proof with the scratched inscription. Excellent impression in warm brown-black ink, with totally fresh mezzotint burr, the copper plate showing no signs of wear.

Only 20 impressions of this mezzotint were ever printed prior to the destruction of the plate.

SOLD

Joseph Wright Esquire   1807

Mezzotint by James Ward after Joseph Wright of Derby.

Outstanding early impression of the freshly completed plate,
prior to the closed letter title.

A truly superb example with the title in open capitals, as first issued on 1st February 1807.

SOLD