William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
Original title: William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
kurzbeschreibung
Francesco Bartolozzi made this oval portrait of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield between 1779 and 1802. The drawing is in black and red chalk, and the surface has been varnished. It shows the Earl in half-profile with a serious expression, the features worked out in some detail.
Description
Murray's head is turned slightly to the right in half-profile. A long-haired wig frames his face, its strands indicated with fine strokes; the collar of his coat carries elaborate, wavy decoration. Wrinkles and a grave expression mark his features. The background is plain, so attention stays on the portrait. At lower left is a handwritten note reading 'Murray co all sides'; at lower right, the inventory number '55.106.4'.
Context
The Italian Francesco Bartolozzi worked in London as an engraver and draughtsman, known above all for reproductions of paintings and drawings. The sitter, William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, was a British lawyer and politician who served as Lord Chief Justice. In those years Bartolozzi produced numerous portraits of prominent figures. The span from 1779 to 1802 falls within his London period, when his chalk drawings were also valued.
Impact
Fine shading and the precise rendering of facial features give the sheet expression and dignity. The black and red of the chalk create a warm, lively tonality. The serious expression and the careful treatment of wig and clothing underline the sitter's rank and authority.
Technique
The sheet was executed in black and red chalk on paper, followed by varnishing. Chalk allows fine lines and soft shading, with which the texture of wig and coat can be brought out. The varnish protects the drawing with a glossy coating and at the same time enhances the colour effect.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)