Valentine GREEN after J. Gerhard Huck

The Articles of The Union Presented by The Commissioners to Queen Anne. Ad 1706

25.5 x 20.5 inches

This important print depicts the moment when the previously independent states of England and Scotland became one union with one legislature. The kingdoms of England and Scotland had shared a monarch since James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne and became James I but it was not until 1706 that the two countries were officially united to become the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Queen Anne is depicted surrounded by dignitaries from both sides and with the all-important document upon her lap.

Valentine Green was born in Worcestershire circa 1739. He began his working life in a lawyer’s office but soon became a pupil to an obscure line-engraver in Worcester. In the 1760’s he arrived in London and exhibited at Spring Gardens in 1766. In 1775 he was appointed associate engraver to the newly formed Royal Academy and mezzotint engraver to His Majesty, King George III. In 1789 he was fortunate enough to obtain the exclusive privilege of engraving the pictures in the Dusseldorf Gallery. He completed over twenty plates but unfortunately much of the work was destroyed in a siege of the town in 1798. He died in London in 1813.