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WATSON, James after SCOUTER
Brigadier General Simon Fraser
London: Published by S. Hooper, Ludgate Hill & J. Watts, Charing Cross, 1 June, 1778. Mezzotint. Printed on laid paper with indistinct watermark. State iii/iii, with `Mrs. Robinson late Worlidge' substituted for `Wm. Robinson'. In good condition with the exception of some rubbed creases in upper section of image. A few isolated spots in lower left corner of image that have suffered paper loss. Small tear in middle of upper margin. Corners have all been masterfully in filled with contemporary paper. Small repair in middle of image. Crease running through lower section of image. Image size: 13 7/16 x 11 inches. Plate mark: 15 x 11 inches. Sheet size: 15 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches.
A striking portrait of General Simon Fraser, who distinguished himself in the Revolutionary War.
James Watson became one of the leading mezzotint engravers of his time. His precise style is distinguished by its delicacy of finish and smooth velvety contours. Watson was born in Ireland but soon immigrated to London where he learned the art of mezzotint engraving from James McArdell. He was a regular exhibitor at the Society of Artists, and even spent some time as a publisher, but he executed the majority of his work for Robert Sayer and John Boydell, the famous London printsellers. During his career, Watson scraped over two hundred plates, working from masters such as Van Dyck, Rubens, and Reynolds, to produce subtlety beautiful images which are still viewed as masterpieces. His delicate portraits are among his best work, and his beautiful images live on as a testimony to his talent.
This striking portrait of Brigadier General Simon Fraser is a wonderful example of Watson's masterful work. Fraser had a distinguished military career, serving with skill and valor during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. He was also active in Germany, Ireland, and Gibraltar and was Captain-Lieutenant in the Fraser Highlanders. He accompanied General Burgoyne to Canada and fought a number of skirmishes in that region, but he lost his life in the Battle of Saratoga on October 7th, 1777.
Goodwin James Watson 117, iii/iii; Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 56 state iii; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits, and their States 56; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1
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#3712 $850.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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