John Smith (1652-1743) after Hirschmann - 1706 Mezzotint, Sophia Dorothea

Description

An original 1706 mezzotint by John Smith after Johann Leonhard Hirschmann, depicting Her Royal Highness Sophia Dorothea, Princess Royal of Prussia. Inscribed within the plate 'Daughter to His Highness the Elector of Brunswick and Grad Daughter to Her Royal Highness the Princess Sophia Electrice Dowager of Brunswick. Sold by J. Smith at Lyon & Crown in Russel Street, Covent Garden'. This same rare work can be found in the collections of the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Collection Trust. Signed in the plate. On watermarked laid.

Condition

In good condition for a picture of this age, with some surface discolouration, mainly to the edges. Some light surface abrasions, and scuffing. Trimmed to the plate. A good impression with depth.

Size

28.5 x 22.8cm (11.2" x 9")
Sheet: 34.5 x 25.9cm (13.6" x 10.2")

Artist Biography

John Smith (1652-1742) was an English mezzotint engraver. Smith was born at Daventry, Northamptonshire, about 1652. He was articled to a painter named Tillet in London, and studied mezzotint engraving under Isaac Beckett and Jan van der Vaart. Smith became the favourite engraver of Sir Godfrey Kneller, whose paintings he extensively reproduced, and in whose house he is said to have lived for some time.