Robert White & Sir Godfrey Kneller

Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort

Robert White's portrait engraving, "Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort" is based upon a design created by the British painter, Sir Godfrey Kneller. This original engraving is printed upon fine 17th century, hand-made, laid paper as published in 1679. "Henry Somerset, Ist Duke of Beaufort" represents a prime, original example of the 17th century portrait art of Robert White. The National Portrait Gallery, London, includes an impression of this engraving in their permanent collection.

Henry Somerset became the First Duke of Beaufort in 1682. Somerset was a staunch supporter of King Charles II, He became a Privy Councilor in 1679 and was appointed Lord President of Wales.

Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort

View other original engravings by Robert White.

Robert White (London, 1645 - Bloomsbury, 1704)
#	Image	Title & Artist	Medium	Date	Designer	-
01-		Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort by Robert White designed by Sir Godfrey Kneller.	Original engraving	1679	Sir Godfrey Kneller
02.-		Thomas Wentworth: Earl of Strafforde by Robert White	Original engraving	c. 1680	Robert White	Sold
03.-		William Camden by Robert White	Original engraving	1695	Robert White

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Title:	Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort
Engraver:	White, Robert (London, 1645 - Bloomsbury, 1704)
Designer:	Kneller, Sir Godfrey (Lubeck, 1646 - Twickenham, 1723)
Date:	1679
Medium:	Original Engraving
Note:	"The ablest and most distinguished of Loggan's pupils was undoubtedly Robert White. He was born in London in 1645, and very early he began to cultivate his natural gift of draughtsmanship. Apprenticed to Loggan, he went with his master to Oxford, and worked with him, with both pencil and graver, on the "Oxonia Illustrata" But it was his intellectual sense of portraiture, with his happy facility in conveying a likeness, that he owed the constant and extensive demand for his engravings during the forty years of his professional career. ... He always remained true to his graven line, and graphic in his prints are most of the prominent personalities of three reigns." *
	Robert White: The last of England's great 17th century portrait engravers, Robert White apprenticed under David Loggan (d. 1693). During his long and distinguished career, White engraved the portraits of such contempories as King Charles I, King Charles II, King James II, General Monk, Buckingham, Lord Rochester, Samuel Pepys, George Herbert, Henry Purcell, Prince Rupert, Lady Anne Clifford, Henry Somerset, the First Duke of Beaufort, and many others.
	Near the end of Robert White's career mezzotints surpassed line engravings as the favoured medium of portraiture. Even his son and student, George White (1671-1734), devoted most of his artistic efforts to the mezzotint portrait.
	Sir Godfrey Kneller: One of England's most honoured portrait painters, Godfrey Kneller was first sent to Leyden to study for a military career. He showed, however, a strong inclination for art and was thus sent to Amsterdam where he studied under Ferdinand Bol. In 1672, Godfrey Kneller went to Rome to complete his education under Carlo Maratti and Bernini. Godfrey then moved to Hamburg but, in 1674, he was convinced to settle in London.
	With his move to London, Kneller quickly established his fame both in Britain and in Europe. He painted the portraits of such monarchs as King Charles II, James II and William III, King Louis XIV of France, Peter the Great of Russia and Charles VI of Spain.
	Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort: Previously the 3rd Marquess of Worcester, Henry Somerset (1629-1700) became the First Duke of Beaufort in 1682. He was invested as a Knight of the Garter in 1672. A staunch supporter of King Charles II, Somerset became a Privy Councilor in 1679 and was appointed Lord President of Wales. When King William III took the throne Somerset refused to swear his allegiance.
Reference:	* Malcolm C. Salaman, "The Old Engravers of England", London, Cassell and Company, 1906. Quotation on pp. 56 & 57.
Size:	11 1/4 X 7 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
	Framed and Matted with 100% Archival Materials
	View larger Framed Image

Buy Now	Price: $495.00 US
Condition:	Printed upon fine 17th century, hand-made, laid paper and backed onto another sheet of paper by a previous owner. Trimmed to the margins, as is common with old master engravings. Several slight foxing marks exist along the lower border, within the title. Otherwise, this is a well printed, early impression and in very good condition throughout. "Henry Somerset, Ist Duke of Beaufort" represents a prime, original example of the 17th century art of Robert White.
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