90 - Pietro Antonio Martini (1738–1797)

Pietro Antonio Martini (1738–1797) The Exhibition of the Royal Academy. 1787. Etching and engraving after J. H. Ramberg (for the figures). [535 x 384 mm]. Very fine print on white laid paper, trimmed outside the block. Scattered light foxing. Light moisture stain along the right edge. Traces of glue along the upper edge on the reverse. AABM stamp (Lugt 3075). In this "Summer Exhibition" at Somerset House, the Prince of Wales is being guided by Sir Joshua Reynolds, who is holding his acoustic horn. The portrait of the Prince of Wales with his servant (His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales) by Sir Joshua Reynolds is, quite symbolically, positioned exactly at the center of the back wall, just above the real Prince of Wales. That year, Reynolds had submitted 13 paintings, including *Lady Smith and Her Children* and *Heads of Angels* (both hanging here on the left wall), which earned him critical acclaim. The Greek inscription on the tablet refers to the one originally engraved above the entrance door to the Great Room at Somerset House, which reads: “Let no one enter here who is a stranger to the Muses.”