548 - R. HOUSTON (*1721) after RUSSELL (*1745), Portrait of John Macgowan, 1774, Mezzotint

R. HOUSTON (*1721) after RUSSELL (*1745), Portrait of John Macgowan, 1774, Mezzotint Richard Houston (1721 - 1775 ) after John Russell (1745 - 1806 ): Portrait of John Macgowan Author of The Shaver, 1774, Mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "From the Original Picture painted by J. Russel. | R. Houston fecit Published as the Act directs 25 June 1774". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "The Reverend John Macgowan, V.D.M. Author of the Shaver.". Date: 1774 Description: Half-length portrait in an oval frame, turned to the left, looking at the viewer. In his right hand, Macgowan holds a scroll with the inscription "Letters to Dr Priestley", dressed in simple dark official attire, a mop and a voluminous wig. The depiction emphasises his role as a preacher and polemical author. Person: John Macgowan (1726 Edinburgh - 1780 London) Keywords: Portrait, 18th century, Baroque, Portraits, United Kingdom, Size: Paper: 35,6 cm x 25,7 cm (14 x 10,1 in), Depiction: 33,0 cm x 25,4 cm (13 x 10 in) Condition: Defective condition. Discoloured and with stains due to age. With some longer tears, particularly in the upper margins, which have been restored. Stain above lower left corner of sheet. Small hole lower left, at the height of the oval frame. Print image overall strong and clearly preserved.