27 - Thomas Trotter (British, 1750-1803). Engraving, Samuel Johnson. Full-length portrait of the English lexicographer in profile, wearing characteristic 18th-century attire and leaning on a walking stick. The work is executed with fine-line hatching and cross-hatching. Inscribed Sam: Johnson. in script at the lower right. The trimmed print is mounted to a brown card with a metal clip. Sheet: 9 1/8 x 6 in.

Thomas Trotter (British, 1750-1803). Engraving, Samuel Johnson. Full-length portrait of the English lexicographer in profile, wearing characteristic 18th-century attire and leaning on a walking stick. The work is executed with fine-line hatching and cross-hatching. Inscribed Sam: Johnson. in script at the lower right. The trimmed print is mounted to a brown card with a metal clip. Sheet: 9 1/8 x 6 in. Samuel Johnson, the great man of words and wit of eighteenth-century London, was a lifelong fascination of Peter's. He read Johnson and Boswell by the volume and kept five typewritten pages of Johnson's sayings close at hand. These two portraits of Johnson hung in his home. See also the Johnson and Boswell books in Lot 92. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Significant overall toning and scattered foxing throughout the sheet. A prominent diagonal crease and fold are present at the lower-left corner. The paper is trimmed, and no plate marks are visible. Currently mounted to a card backing with a metal clip. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.