Valentine Green, “Inigo Jones, in the Common Parlour at Houghton”, 1775, after Anthony van Dyck

Valentine Green (1739–1813)

“Inigo Jones, in the Common Parlour at Houghton”, 1775

Background and Production Insights:

The portrayed figure, Inigo Jones (1573–1652), is widely celebrated as England’s first major architect to implement classical Roman and Italian Renaissance principles into his structures. He pioneered the Palladian style in Great Britain, drawing direct inspiration from the symmetrical, harmonious designs of Italian master Andrea Palladio (1508–1580).

This original mezzotint is based on an intermediary drawing by draughtsman George Farington (1752–1788), executed after the oil portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641). The original painting was formerly housed in the collection of Sir Robert Walpole at Houghton Hall before being sold to Catherine the Great; it resides today in the State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, inv. no. GE-557). This plate forms part of the celebrated “Houghton Gallery” series, published in London on November 1, 1775, by John Boydell (1719–1804).

This superb, powerful impression represents the second state of the plate before the subsequent re-engraving and publisher address alterations.

Technical Details & Condition:

Mezzotint printed in a rich, warm black ink on fine antique laid paper with approximately 2 cm margins remaining beyond the platemark.

A deeply inked, exceptionally crisp, and balanced impression showcasing excellent tonal contrast. Aside from minor, typical paper thinning concentrated at the upper corner margins, the sheet remains in remarkable, museum-quality condition—entirely free of tears, modern restoration, folds, or stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 21.9 x 16.8 cm
• Platemark: 17.7 x 12.7 cm
• Image borderline: 15.1 x 12.7 cm

In-Plate Lettering (below the image borderline):

• Left: “Van Dyke Pinxit. / G. Farington delint./ Size of the picture I F[oot] 85/8 I[nch] by 2 F[oot] 1 I[nch] in height.”
• Centre: “Inigo [crest with the motto ‘Fari Quae Sentiat’] Jones. / In the Common Parlour at Houghton. / Published Novr. 1. 1775 by Jno. Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London.”
• Right: “Val. Green Engraver / to his Majesty fecit.”

References:

• Whitman 55.2 (Alfred Whitman, “British Mezzotinters: Valentine Green”, 1902, London, A. H. Bullen, p. 60, cat. no. 55, state ii); LeBlanc 101; Chaloner Smith 77.
• British Museum: Museum number 1948,0315.10.168 — https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1948-0315-10-168

Price & Shipping: AU$288 in total (approximately US$204.11 / €178.70 / £153.42), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties are the buyer's responsibility.

If you are interested in purchasing this exquisite, jewel-like masterwork of 18th-century British printmaking, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. A secure PayPal invoice will be generated to complete your transaction seamlessly.