Godfridus Kneller Eques (Sir Godfrey Kneller)

Date1694

Engraver John Smith ca. 1652 - ca. 1742

After work by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/8 × 10 1/2 in (35.88 × 26.67cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-734

DescriptionLower margin reads: "Godfridus Kneller Eques./ Guilielmi & Mariae Magnae Britaniae Regis & Reginae Pictorum Princeps/ Offerebat Humillimus Servus Johannes Smith"Label TextSir Godfrey Kneller (1746-1723), Principal Painter to the King, was one of the most famous artists in England for three decades. He benefited from his working relationship with engraver John Smith (ca. 1675-1751), who was an expert in mezzotint, a technique used to create prints with velvety tones. Most of the portraits in this exhibition were made using this technique. Half of the 280 mezzotints engraved by Smith were after works by Kneller.   ProvenanceBefore 1936, Robert Dunthrone & Son Ltd (London, England); 1936-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)