HART NO. 229 MEZZOTINT ENGRAVING OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

HART NO. 229 MEZZOTINT ENGRAVING OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

An incredibly rare relic, a mezzotint engraving of George Washington, showing a three-quarter length depiction of Washington seated at a table with legs crossed, holding a map of the city of Washington with a hat in the background, listed and described as No. 229 in Charles Henry Hart's authoritative "Catalogue of the Engraved Portraits of Washington". Pictorial surface approx. 18" x 13.75", half-inch margins at the top and sides, with a 2.5 in. margin at bottom, including engraved title. Total sheet size: 15 x 21.25 in. This example, according to Rare Book Hub, has only been placed up for public auction twice: once in 1935 and again in 1972. In addition, this example could not even be found through quick search of the National Portrait Gallery, Mount Vernon, and the Library of Congress. In addition to its rarity, the portrait is known for the anonymity of its publisher. While described as being very similar to Hart No. 228 - which bears the publication line "Published June 25, 1793, by E. Savage, No. 54 Newman Street" - the mezzotint itself has been etched without a publication line and Hart himself notes the difference in quality between this piece and Savage's work. Thus, the true manufacturer has been a source of controversy. Savage's No. 228 has garnered $32,000 in 1937 and $1,330 in 2015; due to this piece's rarity, it should be all the more desirable to collectors. Linen-backed, some marginal tears with one full vertical split, very faint water stain in the bottom-left corner. Very good condition.