Descripción
Exquisite 1840s Steel Engraving - Engraved by: W. T. MOTE FROM THE ORIGINAL OF SIR GODFREY KNELLER, IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM Published by THE LONDON PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY Approximate Portrait Image Area Size: 4 X 5 inches Approximate Size With Decorated Border and vignettes: 6 X 7 1/2 inches Approximate Overall Size with margins: 7 X 10 1/2 inches Enlarged view of the top vignette. A beautiful elaborate fleur de lis scrollwork decorative border surrounds the image, with a tiny vignette at the top of the portrait image. The vignette may represent the family coat of arms or crest.The celtic like ornamental perimeter scrollwork surrounding the portrait is a beautiful work of art, typical of a John Tallis type production. A great historical portrait print for a genealogy buff looking for family heritage or royalty type prints. Robert Harley, 1st earl of Oxford (1661-1724), English statesman and bibliophile. His career illustrates the power of personal connections and intrigue in the politics of his day. When he entered (1689) Parliament, he was generally associated with the Whigs and introduced (1694) the Triennial Bill (which required new parliamentary elections every three years) in the House of Commons. His sympathies soon shifted, however, and before the accession (1702) of Queen Anne he was a leader of the Tories. He was secretary of state for the north (1704-8) but was forced out of office by John Churchill, 1st duke of Marlborough , because of his intrigues against the predominantly Whig government. His influence on the queen continued, however, through his kinswoman Abigail Masham . The unpopularity of the War of the Spanish Succession and the uproar caused by the trial of Henry Sacheverell brought the fall of the Whigs, and Harley came to power with Henry St. John (later Viscount Bolingbroke) in 1710. He survived an attempt on his life in 1711 and was made earl and lord treasurer. Consolidating his power, he undertook secret peace negotiations that led to the Peace of Utrecht (1713) and founded the South Sea Company (see South Sea Bubble ). His position, however, was undermined by the intrigues of St. John, and he lost office just before Queen Anne's death (1714). After the accession of George I, he was imprisoned (1715) and impeached (1716) for his conduct of the peace negotiations and for dealings with the Jacobites, but he was acquitted. The manuscript collection gathered by Harley and his son Edward constitutes the important Harleian Library in the British Museum. CONDITION: Mild age toning. Very Good Condition. Portrait Image area is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful detail and in Excellent Condition. Blank on Reverse side and printed heavier paper. This beautiful print would look great matted and framed. An art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames for old art treasures. NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU PURCHASE: This is a GENUINE ANTIQUE PRINT. It is NOT a modern reproduction, ie. a laser scan, photocopy etc. It is the original from the antique publication. This print was published on the date mentioned, or circa of the date mentioned at the top of the page. The term "print" is referred to an image on a piece of paper. The print I have for sale, like many antique prints that you see online, originate from an antique book or atlas publication. The publication may not always be known. If you have any questions, emails are welcome. N° de ref. del artículo 11426
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