After Morland - 1794 Mezzotint The Effects of Extravagance & Idleness

Description

William Ward after George Morland - Later reproduction of a 1794 Mezzotint. Originally published 1796 by T. Simpson. With hand colouring. Signed in plate. On wove. Several closed tears and losses to the sheet edges. Loss to upper left corner which has been temporarily re-attached with backing tapeDiscolouration also present.

George Morland was one of the most successful genre painters of his time, creating, during his industrious career, some of England's most cherished paintings. At an early age Morland displayed his artistic genius, he learned to paint at three and exhibited his first work at the Royal Academy at the mere age of ten. He was a prodigious painter, producing more than 4000 paintings during the entirety of his career, and sometimes painting two or three works in a day. His beautiful idealistic scenes were a favourite source of inspiration for contemporary engravers, and as many as 250 separate engravings were done of his paintings during his lifetime. His brother-in-law, William Ward, engraved a great number of his paintings reproducing in print his endearing paintings of English country life. Ward's engravings after Morland are some of the most beautiful prints of the period; they combine fine technical skill and inspired artistic imagination to create enduring images that speak of the taste and beauty of the age.

Size

58.5 x 47cm (23" x 18.5")
Sheet: 71.7 x 56cm (28.2" x 22")