James Lockhart
Medium
mezzotint on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 39.2 x 27.9 cm (15 7/16 x 11 in.) sheet: 41.1 x 29.8 cm (16 3/16 x 11 3/4 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Paul Mellon Fund
Accession Number
2001.118.30
Art Historical Context
This mezzotint portrait of James Lockhart, created around 1760 Irish engraver James McArdell after an original painting by Sir Joshua, exemplifies the vibrant printmaking culture of 18th-century Britain. Reynolds, the leading portraitist of his and first president of the Royal Academy captured the likeness of prominent sitters with elegant poses and rich textures. McArdell, renowned for his mastery of mezzotint, translated these qualities into print, allowing a broader audience to appreciate Reynolds’s work beyond the original canvas. Mezzotint technique was particularly valued during this pe...