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GROZER, J. after Sir Joshua REYNOLDS
[John Craufurd]
circa 1785. Mezzotint. Proof before letters. Alternate state i/iii, proof before letters with inscription space uncleaned and the image extremely dark. In excellent condition with the exception of being trimmed just outside the plate mark on right, left, and top margins. Image size: 12 7/8 x 10 3/4 inches. Plate mark: 14 7/8 x 10 7/8 inches. Sheet size: 15 3/16 x 11 inches.
This fascinating heavily inked working proof is a stunning example of the printmaking process.
This fascinating portrait of John Craufurd the British M.P and close friend of Charles James Fox, is a wonderful example of the stages of the printing process before publication. This intriguing print shows a unique step in the printmaking process before an image is ready for publication. Before adding title and publication details, the engraver tests the amount of inking needed to make an attractive image, hence we have this rather dark impression of Craufurd's portrait. It is incredibly rare to find prints in this unfinished experimental stage. Impressions which were pulled as working proofs are unique and were almost never duplicated.
This rare working proof is from the Royal Collection at Windsor.
Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 7, this state not recorded; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits, and their States, this state not recorded; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1; Lennox-Boyd & Stogdon, state not recorded; Lugt, Les Marques de Collections, 2535
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#8222 $500.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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