Art Institute of Chicago

The Musical Boy

James Watson (Irish, c. 1740-1790)

Date

1777

Medium

Mezzotint in black on cream laid paper

Culture

England

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The Irish-born mezzotint engraver James Watson reproduced paintings from several British collections with the highlights and soft-focus transitions this relatively new print medium enabled. This mezzotint is an early proof after a painting by the Dutch artist Frans Hals. Later impressions include the completed text, which states that this work was then owned by Lord Mountstuart and notes that it was reproduced at actual size. Watson’s publisher, John Boydell, one of the most active in London, was particularly keen on supplying his audience with prints after famous artworks, preferably those owned by members of the British nobility.

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