684 - J. BASIRE I. (*1730) after WILSON (*1721), George Savile at his desk, 1770, Copper engraving

J. BASIRE I. (*1730) after WILSON (*1721), George Savile at his desk, 1770, Copper engraving James Basire I. (1730 - 1802 ) after Benjamin Wilson (1721 - 1788 ): Full-length portrait of Sir George Savile in the study, 1770, Copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving and Etching on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Painted by Benj.m Wilson. | Engraved & Etched by B. W. and Mr. Basire.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "Sir George Savile Bar.". Date: 1770 Description: The British politician Sir George Savile (1726-1784) is depicted in a pensive pose, seated at a desk, his left hand resting on his side, his right on a document entitled "THE CALDER NAVIGATION". The room is classically staged: a heavy curtain opens the view to a window with a light accent from the left, while writing utensils, a document folder and a scroll symbolise political activity. The carefully crafted copperplate etching after a painting by Benjamin Wilson bears witness to the representational culture of the late 18th century. Keywords: Sir George Savile; 18th century; Political portrait; Copper engraving; Etching; The Cause of the Americans; American Revolution; English Enlightenment; Benjamin Wilson; Desk scene; Window light; Curtain; Tripartite; Historical depiction; 1770; Intellectual pose; Full figure; Paper and pen; Print graphic; 18th century; Classicism; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 55,9 cm x 40,0 cm (22 x 15,7 in), Plate: 50,3 cm x 34,6 cm (19,8 x 13,6 in), Depiction: 43,9 cm x 31,9 cm (17,3 x 12,6 in) Condition: Rather good condition. Very fine and clear impression. The sheet is slightly discoloured due to its age and minimally foxed. The edges and corners are bumped, especially at the top, additionally with a horizontal crease along the upper edge of the sheet. Also with crease across the upper left corner of the sheet, which has been bumped. There are two small tears at the centre of the right edge and a creased, cracked area at the upper left edge. The sheet has small creases in some places. There is a small grey smudge at the bottom left. The print itself is in good condition, with well-preserved printing ink and clear lines. The inscriptions are fully legible.