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c. 1776 Engraved Portraits Louis XVI + Others

Colonial America

c. 1776 Engraved Portraits Including Colonial Governor

c. 1776, Lot of 4 Portrait Engravings, Gen. Monckton, Governor of New York, Churchill Duke of Marlborough, Hugh Earl Percy, and Louis XVI, Choice Very Fine to Extremely Fine.
1. Engraving on paper, "Major General Monckton - Governor of New York," engraved by J. Groyn, print size 4.5" x 3.5" and paper size 8.5" x 5". Robert Monckton, who was Colonial Governor of New York 1762-1763, is shown in uniform with an engraved gorget around his neck. This engraving is in excellent condition, without tears or folds, with a few light age spots, mostly in the margins.
2. Engraving on paper, "Churchill Duke of Marlborough," engraved by William W. Ryland (1738-1783), 5" x 3.75". Choice Extremely Fine, very light toning, with no tears or folds. John Churchill (1650-1722) was the first Duke of Marlborough.
3. Engraving on paper, "Hugh, Early Percy," unsigned, print size 6" x 4" and paper size 10.5" x 8." Hugh Percy (1714-1786) became the first Duke of Northumberland in 1766. Choice Very Fine with no folds or tears and light age toning.
4. Engraving on card, "Louis XVI," engraved by J. Crouxier and By. Roger, print size 4.5" x 3" and paper size 10.5" x 7." Louis XVI was King of France 1774-1792. Near Mint condition, bright and white, with 3 pinholes in the margins, outside the engraved area. These are four great 18th Century Prints, having both artistic and historical value. (4 prints)

The engraver, William W. Ryland (1738-1783), born in London, was the son of an engraver and copper plate maker. He was sucessful as an engraver, but living beyond his means led him to forge bills on the British East India Company, which led to his arrest and execution.