493 - E. FISHER (*1722) after POND (*1700), Profile of Mark Akenside, 1772, Mezzotint

E. FISHER (*1722) after POND (*1700), Profile of Mark Akenside, 1772, Mezzotint Edward Fisher (before 1722 Dublin - around 1785 London) after Arthur Pond (around 1700 London - 1758 Rom): Mark Akenside, bust portrait in profile to the right, 1772, Mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "APond pinx 1754 | E. Fisher sculp 1772". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "MARK AKENSIDE ÆTATIS XXXV". Date: 1772 Description: The mezzotint print shows a classical bust portrait of the British doctor and poet Mark Akenside in profile to the right. The sitter wears a simple coat with a white shirt collar and is embedded in an oval medallion against a neutral dark background. The lighting is soft and models the face with fine gradations, creating an idealised, contemplative expression. The technique of mezzotint allows for a velvety gradation of tone, particularly visible in the hair and clothing. The style can be categorised as 18th century English classicism, with references to academic portraiture. Keywords: Mark Akenside; Portrait; Mezzotint; 18th century; Profile view; English poet; Arthur Pond; Medical profession; Classical print; Printmaking; Oval framed; Literary history; Enlightenment; Male portrait; Bust; Academic style; Fine lighting; British art; Contemplation; Artistic idealism; 18th century; Classicism; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 25,2 cm x 19,4 cm (9,9 x 7,6 in), Plate: 24,7 cm x 18,6 cm (9,7 x 7,3 in), Depiction: 21,5 cm x 18,6 cm (8,5 x 7,3 in) Condition: Good condition. Slightly discoloured due to age with foxing stains across the sheet. The corners of the sheet on the left are bumped. The tonal values of the mezzotint are still well preserved with balanced blackening and differentiated modelling.