William SAY after James Northcote The Disobedient Prophet Daniel in the Lion's Den A pair of mixed method engravings by William Say, Engraver to HRH The Duke of Gloucester, after the paintings by James Northcote R.A. These prints were published in Fleet Street, London in 1812 and 1813 respectively. The Disobedient Prophet is produced entirely in mezzotint whereas Daniel comprises a mixture of mezzotint and etching; the latter giving definition and additional clarity to the image. The quality of both is superb and an excellent demonstration of the diversity of tone that can be achieved on a single copper plate. Most strikingly of all, they are amongst the earliest and most magnificent depictions of lions to be found in print. William Say (1768-1834) was a mezzotint engraver of portraits, decorative and genre subjects after both his contemporaries and the Old Masters. He was born in Norwich but came to live in London where he became an apprentice to the accomplished engraver, James Ward. Such was his talent that in 1807 he was appointed engraver to The Duke of York. During his illustrious career he engraved over 350 plates and was the first to attempt mezzotint engraving on steel as opposed to copper. Each 21 x 30¾". £2,200 |
