John Bowles

Miss Eyebright.

5 x 6.5 inches

A charming, small scale mezzotint published in London for John Bowles circa 1770.

This delightful study is after the portrait by the Scottish artist George Willison (1741-1797). The sitter, an attractive young lady, is depicted half-length facing forward with straight back, simple mop cap and elaborate bodice. She stares out of the page in an imploring way as if to engage the viewer in her plight. Such prints were very popular in the latter half of the C18th and ranged from serious studies through bawdy caricature to the almost grotesque.