18th Century Miniature Queen Charlotte Reverse Print On Glass English C 1770 RARE

This rare and decorative miniature reverse print on glass originates from England during the 1770 period. This is a rare form of reverse painted print on glass, a miniature piece.

The print is titled ‘The Studious Fair’ and is after a painting by Miss Mary Benwell (b abt. 1739 – d abt. 1800). The print was engraved by the Irish Mezzotinter Charles Spooner (b abt. 1729 - d 1767). We know that at least three different versions of the painting were produced in Mezzotint form. One was printed for Carrington Bowles and another for Henry Parker & Robert Sawyer (b 1725 – d 1794). Each one is slightly different and produced in different sizes. This extremely rare example was printed exclusively for Robert Sayer at his address in Fleet Street, London. This is currently the only example we can find of it in reverse painted form.

THE SITTER

The sitter is Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (b 1744 – d 1818) was Queen of Great Britain and Ireland as the wife of King George III from their marriage on 8 September 1761 until her death in 1818. Notice the portrait miniature of her husband, King George III, on her bracelet that she is wearing on her wrist.

THE ARTIST

Mary Benwell (b 1739 – d abt. 1800), married name Codd, was an English artist, a miniaturist and pastellist. Benwell resided in Warwick Court, London, and exhibited crayon portraits and miniatures at the Incorporated Society of Artists and the Royal Academy between the years 1761 and 1791 and at The Society of Artists from 1762 to 1774. She worked also in oil colours and made a reputation in her profession, but she retired from it on her marriage about 1762 with a military officer named Codd.

THE ENGRAVER

In Dublin, Charles Spooner (b abt. 1729 - d 1767) painted portraits of William Hogarth, Anthony Malone, Samuel Madden, and Thomas Prior Later he engraved some further portraits, some from his own drawings, as well as genre subjects after Rembrandt, Teniers, Schalken, Mercier, and others. He was a skilled artist and an accomplished mezzotinter.

Reference: Repository: Lewis Walpole Library: Call Number 765.00.00.08

The piece is housed in its original stained wood frame. This is a unique opportunity to own this wonderful artwork.

Measuring: Frame width 5 7/8 inch (15 cm) by height 7 ¼ inch (18.5 cm). Aperture width 4 3/8 inch (11 cm) by height 5 ¾ inch (14.5 cm).

Condition: Excellent with only light surface wear to frame commensurate with age.

Item id:16295