541 - R. PURCELL (*1746) after REYNOLDS (*1723), Portrait of the Countess of Essex, around 1760, Mezzotint

R. PURCELL (*1746) after REYNOLDS (*1723), Portrait of the Countess of Essex, around 1760, Mezzotint Richard Purcell (before 1746 - around 1766 ) after Joshua Reynolds (1723 - 1792 ibid.): Elegant portrait of Frances, Countess of Essex, as a half-length figure with lace sleeves, c. 1760, Mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "J Reynolds pinx. | Purcell Fecit". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "Frances Countess of Essex| London Printed for Robt Sayer Map & Printseller at the Golden Buck in Fleet Street.". Date: c. 1760 Description: The elegant half-length portrait shows Frances, Countess of Essex, in a half-sitting pose with a calm, direct gaze. Her upraised hand emphasises her relaxed grace, while the finely crafted dress with bow trim and voluminous lace sleeves as well as the softly flowing cape underscore her aristocratic status. The mezzotint technique after Joshua Reynolds lends the depiction soft transitions and an almost painterly effect. Person: Countess Frances Hanbury-Williams, of Essex (1735 - 1759 ) Keywords: Countess of Essex; Frances; Noble portrait; Mezzotint; Joshua Reynolds; 18th century; English aristocracy; Women's portrait; Rococo; Half-length figure; Lace sleeves; Elegance; Representative clothing; Silk fabric; Baroque pose; Portrait art; Ladies' fashion; Aristocratic self-image; Representational graphic art; British aristocracy; 18th century; Romanticism; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 36,0 cm x 25,4 cm (14,2 x 10 in), Plate: 35,6 cm x 25,0 cm (14 x 9,8 in), Depiction: 30,9 cm x 25,2 cm (12,2 x 9,9 in) Condition: Good condition. The sheet has slightly discoloured due to its age and is sporadically stained. There are occasional small scratches in the image field at the top. The lower corners of the sheet are slightly rubbed and minimally bumped. Verso with traces of adhesive residue in the margins. There is a small organic stain in the upper right area of the printed image.