| RICHARD EARLOM (London 1743 - 1822) A FLOWER PIECE (1778) ; A FRUIT PIECE (1781) Mezzotint engravings, a pair, after paintings by Jan van Huysum (1682-1749); published by John Boydell. Very good impressions, on laid paper, with margins, slightly toned, minor faults, generally in good condition. A Flower Piece: to the platemark 560 x 420 mm, the entire sheet measuring 625 x 485 mm. A Fruit Piece: to the platemark 557 x 418 mm, the entire sheet measuring 620 x 485 mm. Although Earlom studied under the engraver Giovanni Battista Cipriani, he was essentially self-taught in the art of mezzotint engraving. His meticulous yet delicate technique managed to accomplish new levels of technical superiority not thought possible in mezzotint, and his unique style of creating intricate details and textures allowed him to produce some truly outstanding images. Earlom's most perfect works as engraver are perhaps the fruit and flower pieces after the Dutch artists Van Os and Jan van Huysum. Earlom began a close working relationship with John Boydell in 1774, and contributed hundreds of engravings to the publisher. One of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking, John Boydell was instrumental in re-establishing England's flagging reputation as a creative nucleus of printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver and an industrious publisher, but as a print seller, he came to dominate the English print trade. |
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