493 - E. FISHER (*1722) after POND (*1700), Profile of Mark Akenside, 1772, mezzotint

E. FISHER (*1722) after POND (*1700), Profile of Mark Akenside, 1772, mezzotint Edward Fisher (born before 1722 in Dublin—died around 1785 in London) after Arthur Pond (born around 1700 in London—died 1758 in Rome): Mark Akenside, bust portrait in profile to the right, 1772, mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on paper Inscription: Signed in the lower part of the printing plate: “APond pinx 1754 | E. Fisher sculp 1772.” Inscribed in the lower part of the printing plate: “MARK AKENSIDE ÆTATIS XXXV.” Date: 1772 Description: The mezzotint print depicts a classical bust portrait of the British physician and poet Mark Akenside in profile to the right. The sitter wears a simple coat with a white shirt collar and is set within an oval medallion against a neutral dark background. The lighting is soft and renders the face with subtle gradations, creating an idealized, contemplative expression. The mezzotint technique allows for a velvety gradation of tone, particularly visible in the hair and clothing. The style can be categorized as 18th-century English classicism, with references to academic portraiture. Keywords: Mark Akenside; Portrait; Mezzotint; 18th century; Profile view; English poet; Arthur Pond; Medical profession; Classical print; Printmaking; Oval frame; Literary history; Enlightenment; Male portrait; Bust; Academic style; Fine lighting; British art; Contemplation; Artistic idealism; 18th century; Classicism; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 25.2 cm x 19.4 cm (9.9 x 7.6 in), Plate: 24.7 cm x 18.6 cm (9.7 x 7.3 in), Image area: 21.5 cm x 18.6 cm (8.5 x 7.3 in) Condition: Good condition. Slightly discolored due to age, with foxing stains across the sheet. The corners of the sheet on the left are bumped. The tonal values of the mezzotint are still well preserved, with balanced blackening and nuanced modeling.