Grosvenor Prints

With two exhibitions dedicated to Bartolomé Esteban Murillo taking place simultaneously in London (at Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Wallace Collection ), we have put together a list of prints based on the paintings of the Seville-based artist. Murillo's paintings were highly regarded Britain in the 18th century, hence the number of fine engravings made from them. Examples of his religious paintings in Britain and the time are this Holy Family :   The Holy Family  Thomas Chambars after Murillo  Published by Boydell, 1764  platemark 515 x 390mm  £140 + VAT  At least two of Murillo's paintings were in the famous Walpole collection at Houghton, which was the subject of an ambitious series of engravings published by Boydell before the collection was sold to Catherine the Great. Most of the collection can still be seen at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, including a painting described by some as the The Immaculate Conception and other...

During the 18th and early 19th century London received visitors from all over the world who were immortalised in paintings and prints. Some came willingly, others less so. Some performed important diplomatic duties while others were exhibited to feed the public's thirst for novelty. Sometimes both functions were served simultaneously. The following selection of prints demonstrates both the diversity of overseas visitors during this period, and the range of artists and methods involved in portraying them. In 1709 the Portuguese ambassador Joaõ Gomes da Silva, Count of Tarouca (1671-1738) resided in London, and was painted by England's pre-eminent portrait painter of the period, Godfrey Kneller. Joaõ Gomes da Silva, Conde de Tarouca. G.Kneller S.R Imp. & Angl. Eques Aur. pinx. I. Simon Fecit. [n.d., c.1715.] Rare mezzotint. 340 x 250mm, 13¼ x 9¾". Trimmed to image, laid on album paper, some suface wear. CS: 149, state ii of iii. [Ref: 1...

The British Museum's current exhibition of Spanish prints and drawings coincides with the publication of the catalogue Renaissance to Goya: Prints and Drawings from Spain , in relation to which we have selected a few prints from our own stock to highlight. A key figure in the history of Spain printmaking was Philip II (1527-98), of whom is written: 'Philip II's interest in prints and his awareness of their efficacy for disseminating images and information had a major impact on the development of engraving in Spain. His travels throughout Europe exposed him to the highly organized printmaking industry there'.     Philippus II. Caroli V. Filius, Hispaniar, Indiarum, Neapolis, Siciliae, Hierosolymae, &c Rex Catholicus...[etc.] [n.d., c.1590.] Engraving, roundel, sheet 190 x 185mm. 7½ x 7¼". Sheet trimmed, tipped into album page. Philip II (1527 – 1598), King of Spain, aged 59, wearing hat, fur-trimmed coat and collar of the order of the Golde...