Autographs
Superb George Washington Mezzotint Print Artist Signed by "S(amuel) Arlent Edwards" after James Sharples' Painting
SAMUEL ARLENT EDWARDS (1861-1935). American, born in England, Artist and Engraver known for his exceptional skills in the art of engraving; his engravings were highly sought after by publishers and collectors.
c. 1899, Superb George Washington Mezzotint Print, Artist Signed, "S Arlent Edwards" in large pencil measuring about 4" long at bottom right, after the Painting by James Sharples, Framed, Choice Mint. A shaded mezzotint print, the image measuring 9.25" x 7.25", plate size 11.25" x 8.5" (by sight), apparently a PROOF impression onto larger sheet. Exceptional professional archival matted with ornate framing fully to 19.5" x 16.75" and seen through special UV Plexiglas adding outstanding eye appeal to this beautiful handsome presentation, which is ready to display. This image of Washington engraved after the original oil painting by James Sharples (1752-1811), and is Signed in pencil, "S. Arlent Edwards", in the margin below the image, which is also numbered "598" in the lower left corner. George Washington Parke Custis described the Sharples's original drawing as, "an admirable likeness, the profile taken by an instrument, and critically correct."
Samuel Arlent Edwards (1862-1935) came to America in 1890 and successfully revived the art of printing in color from mezzotint plates. In 1899, J. Percy Sabin on Nassau Street in New York published this fabulous interpretation of Sharples' great oval George Washington profile portrait. Most likely it was commissioned for the Grolier Club exhibition commemorating the 100th Anniversary of George Washington's death. Superb Mint, with a sharp and fresh impression that would enhance any Washington or print collection. See: Hart 703a; Goodspeed's Catalog, April 8, 1928, #42.
Provenance Ex: Noted Americana Dealer Bruce Gimelson; EAHA Auction October 9, 2004 Lot 352 to the present consignor.
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF
AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II
Samuel Arlent Edwards (American, born England, 1861"1938); after James Sharples (American, born England, 1752"1811) George Washington Mezzotint; New York: printed by J. Percy Sabin, 1899
In 1796 or 1797 the pastel portraitist James Sharples created three Life Portraits of Washington in Philadelphia, which were among the last portraits for which Washington would sit.
In order to ensure "physiognomic" (facial) accuracy, Sharples is reported to have traced Washington's profile with a mechanical instrument, likely similar to the tool employed by Saint-Mmin for his profile of the president, in the following print.
George Washington Parke Custis described Sharples's drawing as "an admirable likeness, the profile taken by an instrument, and critically correct."