William Pether after Rembrandt van Rijn - 1778 Mezzotint The Rabbi

Description

A striking mezzotint portrait with traditional inscription along the bottom.The rabbi sits facing the viewer with his hands clasped across his front. He wears a compressed white turban and his cloak is joined by an elaborate gold clasp encrusted with jewels. To the back of the picture there is a room with a chair, an open book and various Jewish symbols. The inscription below has the artist's names and the prints title. The mezzotint has been presented in a contemporary wood frame with gilt inner window, cream card mount and glazing. On laid.

Condition

The mezzotint has some discolouration as well as abrasion to the surface in the turban area. There is also foxing, discolouration and abrasion to the area of the inscription, below the image. The frame has general scuffing to the surface.

Size

46 x 34cm (18.1" x 13.4")

Artist Biography

William Pether (c.1738 - 1821) was an English mezzotint engraver and portrait painter. Born in Carlisle, Pether became a pupil of the painter and mezzotint engraver Thomas Frye, with whom he entered into partnership in 1761. A fellow of the Incorporated Society of Artists, he contributed to its exhibitions paintings, miniatures, and engravings from 1764 to 1777. He was also an occasional exhibitor with the Free Society and the Royal Academy. His many pupils included the painters and mezzotint engravers Henry Edridge, and Edward Dayes. His last plate published in London is dated 1793, and he exhibited at the Royal Academy for the last time in 1794.