[David Hartley Esq]

Book Description

London: Published by James Walker, No. 49 Upper Mary Le Bone Street, May 10 1784. Mezzotint. State i/ii before the addition of the title and with imprint dated 10 May 1784. In fair condition with the exception of being trimmed just outside the plate mark. Image slightly rubbed. Crease running along left margin. Bent crease in bottom right corner. Small tear in bottom right edge. Light crease running across middle of image. Image size: 18 x 14 inches. 19 15/16 x 14 inches. 20 1/8 x 14 1/4 inches. A striking proof impression portrait of David Hartley, the liberal politician who signed the peace treaty with Benjamin Franklin that ended the American Revolution David Hartley was an ardent liberal, who spent the majority of his political career opposing the war in America. He was an adamant opponent of the slave trade, a cause which he argued with eloquence and passion. In 1778 he wrote a pamphlet entitled 'Letters on the American War', which accused Great Britain of tyranny over the colonies, urged recognition of American independence, and proposed 'mutual naturalization' between the two countries. While in London he met Benjamin Franklin, and they quickly became close friends sparking a correspondence that was to last their whole lives. He was selected by the government to act as plenipotentiary in Paris, where on 3 Sept. 1783 he and Franklin drew up and signed the definitive treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States, thus ending the Revolution and establishing America as an independent country. In Romney's distinguished portrait Hartley's connection with America is visually suggested by Hartley's dress and posture. The fur lined coat and round reading glasses immediately call to mind contemporary portraits of Franklin, as does the composition and backdrop of the image. Hartley's connection with America is further elucidated by the treaty of Independence, which lies rolled on the table next to his hand. This is a wonderful portrait of a passionate man who spent his life in the pursuit of freedom and independence. Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 7, i/ii; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits, and their States 7; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1

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