Isaac and Ede Antique Prints
Watson: Lady Proctor

James Watson after Benjamin West

Lady Beauchamp Proctor

16 x 20 inches

A three quarter length mezzotint portrait by James Watson after the painting by Benjamin West published in London by Boydell, 1779. She stands looking towards the right adjusting a festoon of flowers of Hymen beside a cupid

James Watson was born in Ireland in 1740 and died in London at the age of 50 in 1790. His brother William was an artist based in Dublin but James does not appear to have started work as an engraver until he came to London and studied under McArdell. There are many comparisons between the work of Watson and McArdell and both went on to excel as mezzotint engravers. His daughter Caroline went on to be an engraver in her own right and was appointed engraver to the queen in 1785. James Watson was a perfectionist and had a reputation for scrapping plates that did not meet his high standards, choosing to start again rather than rework or alter a plate, as less scrupulous artists would have done. Some of his works were published from his own address but the majority appear to have originated from various printsellers. His output was prolific and his portraits include many of the leading figures of the day.

£950

This print is an early impression termed “scratch proof before title.” It is of exceptionally fine quality.
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