Henry Meyer RBA after A. Robertson - 1827 Stipple Engraving Marquess Wellesley

Description

An artist's proof engraving by Henry Hoppner Meyer RBA (1780-1847) after Andrew Robertson (1777-1845) depicting Richard Colley Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley (1760-1842), an Anglo-Irish politician and colonial administrator. Presented glazed in a 19th century Hogarth frame. The names of the artists, date, and publication information are inscribed in plate to the lower edge. There is an identical impression in the collection of the British Museum. On laid.

Condition

There is some discolouration and foxing and some creases to the substrate. There are some chips at the corners of the frame.

Size

37.7 x 26.1cm (14.8" x 10.3")
Framed Size: 52.5 x 38.3cm (20.7" x 15.1")

Artist Biography

Henry Hoppner Meyer RBA (1780-1847) was an English portrait painter, more known as a stipple and mezzotint engraver. A prominent early 19th century artist, Henry Meyer was admitted as a pupil to Christ's Hospital, London in 1791 where he studied under Benjamin Green. On 25 August 1794 he was apprenticed to Benjamin Smith for seven years and ultimately trained in engraving techniques at the Royal Academy Schools under Francesco Bartolozzi. His first published engravings appeared in the early 19th century attributed to J. H. Meyer, he later dropped the J and most of his works were published under the name Henry Meyer or H. Meyer. In the ensuing years he showed his skill at portraits and decorative subjects. He produced engravings of such notables as Lady Hamilton, Admiral Nelson, Sir John Nicholl, Lord Hawkesbury, Lord Byron, and Giuseppe Ambrogetti. His painting of Charles Lamb was hung in the India Office for many years. He was a founding member of the Society of British Artists, exhibiting many of his works with this association between 1824 and 1830, and acting as its president in 1828/9.