473 - G. VERTUE (*1684) after HOWARD (*1675), Portrait of John Bagford, 1728, copper engraving

G. VERTUE (*1684) after HOWARD (*1675), Portrait of John Bagford, 1728, copper engraving George Vertue (1684 London – 1756 ibid.) after Hugh Howard (1675 Dublin – 1738 London): Portrait of John Bagford, book collector and antiquarian bookseller, 1728, copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving on paper Inscription: Signed in the lower part of the printing plate: “HHoward p. | G. Vertue Sculp.” Inscribed in the lower part of the printing plate: “LORD BAGFORD.” Date: 1728 Description: A half-length portrait of the English antiquarian John Bagford (1650–1716), turned slightly to the right in profile, dressed in a loose housecoat and neckerchief. His right hand rests on his chest, his posture conveying dignity and reflection. The slightly curled, medium-length natural hairstyle corresponds to the civilian fashion of the late Stuart period and early Georgian style. Bagford is regarded as an important early book historian who amassed an extensive collection of broadsheets and typographical evidence, now held in the British Library and elsewhere. Keywords: John Bagford; Book history; Antiquarian; Copper engraving; 18th century; George Vertue; Howard; Portrait engraving; Book collector; English history; Bibliophilia; Early Enlightenment; British prints; Collector’s prints; Breast portrait; Household dress; Portrait art; Lettered state; History of typography; British Library; Scholar’s portrait; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 25.8 cm x 17.8 cm (10.2 x 7 in), Plate: 20.1 cm x 13.4 cm (7.9 x 5.3 in), Depiction: 19.0 cm x 12.3 cm (7.5 x 4.8 in) Condition: Very good condition. Features crisp etching lines, fine tonal gradation, and wide margins. The paper is clean and has aged evenly; there are no creases or tears. The reverse side is unprinted. High-quality collection sheet in near-museum condition.