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WALKER, James after Sir George ROMNEY
David Hartley Esq.
London: Published by S. Watts, No. 50 the Strand, 1784. Mezzotint. State ii/ii. In good condition with the exception of a skillfully mended tear in the right margin. Laid onto archival support paper. Image size: 18 x 14 inches. Plate mark: 19 15/16 x 14 inches. Sheet size: 24 1/8 x 18 inches.
A striking portrait of David Hartley, the liberal politician who signed the peace treaty with Benjamin Franklin that ended the American Revolution
David Hartley (1732-1813) was an ardent liberal, an Englishman who spent the majority of his political career opposing the war in America. He was an adamant opponent of the slave trade, a cause which he argued with eloquence and passion. In 1778 he wrote a pamphlet entitled 'Letters on the American War', which accused Great Britain of tyranny over the colonies, urged recognition of American independence, and proposed 'mutual naturalization' between the two countries. While in London he met Benjamin Franklin, and they quickly became close friends sparking a correspondence that was to last their whole lives. He was selected by the government to act as plenipotentiary in Paris, where on 3 Sept. 1783 he and Franklin signed the definitive treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States, thus ending the Revolution and establishing America as an independent country. In Romney's distinguished portrait Hartley's connection with America is visually suggested by Hartley's dress and posture. The fur lined coat and round reading glasses immediately call to mind contemporary portraits of Franklin, as does the composition and backdrop of the image. Hartley's connection with America is further elucidated by the treaty of Independence, which lies rolled on the table next to his hand. This is a wonderful portrait of this passionate man who spent his life in the pursuit of freedom and independence.
Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 7, ii/ii; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits, and their States 7; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1
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#8479 $1,200.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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