TURNER, Charles after T. LEEMING

John Grosvenor, Oxford

Oxford: Published by Mr. Leeming, High Street, & by Mr. Smith Printseller, High Street, Nov. 1, 1812. Mezzotint. State ii/ii with the title in open letters. In excellent condition. Image size: 17 1/4 x 13 7/8 inches. Sheet size: 24 5/8 x 17 7/8 inches. Plate mark: 20 1/8 x 14 inches.

A distinguished portrait of John Grosvenor, the noted surgeon from Oxford, by the celebrated mezzotint engraver Charles Turner.

John Grosvenor (1742-1823) was a noted surgeon in Oxford. He received his medical education at Worcester College, Oxford and went on to complete his training at the London hospitals. Throughout the rest of his long career, Grosvenor held many important positions: he was elected as one of the first four surgeons of the Radcliffe Infirmary, became a surgeon of the University of Oxford, the anatomical surgeon on Dr. Lee's foundation at Christ Church, and later in life became of the editor of the 'Oxford Journal'. Grosvenor pioneered new methods in England as one of the first to apply massage and friction to treat stiff and diseased joints. His surgical prowess was examined in his Obituary published in Gentleman's Magazine which stated, "He practised simply as a Surgeon, in the proper and strict sense of the word. In the talents which belong to this profession, he probably never was surpassed. With powers of discrimination, which enabled him in the most difficult cases to form a correct opinion, he united a firmness of mind which disposed him instantly on the exigency to act on it; and in the performing of the necessary operation, while his skill and anatomical knowledge secured the patient from all danger, the softness and delicacy of his touch, the unfailing and almost magical dexterity of his hand, contributed greatly to lessen the pain, and assuage the terrors with which the exhibitions of surgical skill are too often attended." This portrait is by Charles Turner, an excellent engraver who throughout his memorable career produced an array of wonderful images. Born in Oxfordshire, Turner moved to London in 1795, at which time he was employed by the famous engraver and publisher Boydell. Turner was a versatile engraver working in stipple and aquatint as well as mezzotint. Although Turner produced a wide array of excellent prints in subjects ranging from topography to genre, his main artistic focus was portraiture. Throughout his career he produced more than six hundred plates, two-thirds of which were portraits. Other plates of note include his engravings of JMW Turner's paintings, as he was close friends with the artist. As an engraver he combined technical skill with artistic imagination to create beautiful enduring images such as this portrait of John Grosvenor.

Whitman, Charles Turner 238, ii/ii; Burgess, Portraits in the Wellcome Institute 1226/1; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1; Lennox-Boyd & Stogdon, state ii/ii; "John Grosvenor," Oxford History.

Item #7280

Price: $350.00