Holbein portrait of John Russell, Lord Privy Seal. Bartolozzi engraving c1796

by Holbein, Hans

Antique print of J. Russell, Lord Privy Seal, c1796. Superb portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger. A rather large text accompanies this (untitled) portrait of a fine-looking man. (Name pencilled at base of engraved page.)

Original stipple-engraved portrait by Francesco Bartolozzi R.A. (1727-1815), Historical Engraver to his Majesty George III. One of the finest engravers ever, Bartolozzi perfected the art of stipple engraving. He was a foundation member of Royal Academy in London in 1768.

This fine portrait engraving was printed on heavy paper, for “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 1796 by the Keeper of the King’s Drawings and Medals and Fellow of the Society of Artists, John Chamberlaine. The artistic excellence of Holbein is personified in his court portraits.

This fine engraving has upper sections of engraved border missing, and slight foxing outside platemark, but it is such a fine portrait that it does not detract from the image. Page size is 54 x 42cm (21.25 x 16.5 inches). Measurement to engraving border: 38 x 28.5 cm (14.75 x 11.25 inches). Plate mark measures 42 x 31.5 cm (16.5 x 14.5 inches).