Holbein portrait of Fitzwilliam Earl of Southampton. Bartolozzi c1793

by Holbein, Hans

Bartolozzi engraving of the Holbein portrait of Fitz William Earl of Southampton. Text page is included. 

A fine example of Holbein's portraiture, this is a stipple engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi R.A. (1727-1815), Historical Engraver to his Majesty George III. Bartolozzi was one of the finest of all engravers and perfected the art of stippled engraving. In 1768 Francesco Bartolozzi was a foundation member of the Royal Academy in London.

This fine portrait engraving was printed on tissue, laid on heavier paper for publication as “Imitations of Original Drawings by Hans Holbein, in the collection of His Majesty, for the portraits of illustrious persons of the court of Henry VIII” by Hans Holbein (the Younger) (1497-1543). Published in London circa 1793 by the Keeper of the King’s Drawings and Medals and Fellow of the Society of Artists, John Chamberlaine.

There is slight creasing at the base of the tissue, and the foxing of the page extends slightly into the edge of the tissue. To the engraved border measures 35 x 27 cm (13.75 x 10.5 inches). To plate mark measures 405 x 315 mm (16 x 12.25 inches). Page size is 54 x 42cm (21.25 x 16.5 inches).