Francesco Bartolozzi, 1728–1815, Italian, active in Britain (1764–99)after Angelica Kauffmann, 1741–1807, Swiss, active in Britain (1766–81)
Title:
The Birth of Shakespeare
Date:
1782
Materials & Techniques:
Stipple engraving
Inscription(s)/Marks/Lettering:
Lettered, lower left: "Angelica Kauffman pincs. | .....Shakespeare | Whom on the winding Avon's willowed banks | Fair Fancy found, and bore the Smiling Babe | To a close cavern: | London, Publish'd as the Act directs Feby. 1st. 1782."; lettered, lower right: "F. Bartolozzi sculp 1782 | Here as with honey gather'd from the rock, | She fed the little rattler, and with songs | Oft sooth'd his wondring ears, with deep delight | On her soft lap he sat, and caught the sounds. | The Enthusiast by Wharton Dodsley Vol.III. | Anthony Poggi | by A. Poggi, No.4, Orchard Street Portman Square."; lettered, lower center: "THE BIRTH OF SHAPESPEARE. | From a Picture by Angelica Kauffman in the possession of Lady Rushout. | To whome the Plate is dedicated by her Ladyship's obedient Servant"
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection