541 - R. PURCELL (*1746) after REYNOLDS (*1723), Portrait of the Countess of Essex, around 1760, mezzotint

R. PURCELL (*1746) after REYNOLDS (*1723), Portrait of the Countess of Essex, around 1760, mezzotint Richard Purcell (before 1746 – around 1766) after Joshua Reynolds (1723 – 1792, ibid.): Elegant portrait of Frances, Countess of Essex, as a half-length figure with lace sleeves, c. 1760, mezzotint Technique: Mezzotint on paper Inscription: Signed at the bottom of the printing plate: "J Reynolds pinx. | Purcell Fecit". Inscribed at the bottom of the printing plate: “Frances Countess of Essex| London Printed for Robt Sayer Map & Printseller at the Golden Buck in Fleet Street.” Date: c. 1760 Description: This elegant half-length portrait depicts Frances, Countess of Essex, in a half-seated pose with a calm, direct gaze. Her raised hand emphasizes her relaxed grace, while the finely crafted dress with bow trim and voluminous lace sleeves, as well as the softly flowing cape, underscore her aristocratic status. The mezzotint technique, based on a work by Joshua Reynolds, lends the depiction soft transitions and an almost painterly effect. Person: Countess Frances Hanbury-Williams, of Essex (1735–1759) Keywords: Countess of Essex; Frances; Noble portrait; Mezzotint; Joshua Reynolds; 18th century; English aristocracy; Women’s portrait; Rococo; Half-length figure; Lace sleeves; Elegance; Representative clothing; Silk fabric; Baroque pose; Portrait art; Ladies’ fashion; Aristocratic self-image; Representational graphic art; British aristocracy; 18th century; Romanticism; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 36.0 cm x 25.4 cm (14.2 x 10 in), Plate: 35.6 cm x 25.0 cm (14 x 9.8 in), Image area: 30.9 cm x 25.2 cm (12.2 x 9.9 in) Condition: Good condition. The sheet has discolored slightly due to its age and has sporadic stains. There are occasional small scratches in the image area at the top. The lower corners of the sheet are slightly rubbed and have minor dents. The reverse side shows traces of adhesive residue in the margins. There is a small organic stain in the upper right area of the printed image.