After Joseph
Wright of Derby, a painter renowned for his night scenes
Signed in the plate. References: Chaloner Smith 49; J. Egerton, 1990, 158, third state of three, with the date
altered from Dec 1 to Dec 2.
A very good impression printed in dark brown ink, with small margins all round. The verso of the top edge skinned, with one small break in the paper and the upper right margin corner made up, slight cockling. Otherwise in good condition. 507 x 354mm.
Pether was strongly influenced by a series of
mezzotints begun in 1765 by his teacher and subsequent partner Thomas Frye. For
subject matter Pether gravitated to painters such as Rembrandt or Joseph Wright
of Derby who had a preference for dramatic dark/light contrasts which also made
the most of mezzotint’s potential.
