ENGLISH MEZZOTINT OF COACHMAN AFTER SAMUEL DE WILDE,19th century, after Samuel de Wilde (1751-1832). Robert Palmer, Many years coachman to Mr. Boulton. Published 1811 by Laurie Whittle, 53 Fleet Street London. - Framed: 26 1/2" high x 21" wide. Estimate $100-150
NOTE: Samuel De Wilde was a portrait painter and etcher of Dutch descent famous for his theatrical paintings. He was the leading painter of actors and actresses between 1770 and 1820. He exhibited small portraits at the Society of Artists (1776–1778) and at the Royal Academy (from 1778).
His career in theatrical portraiture began when he was employed by John Bell as portraitist for his publication British Theatre, a series that ran from 1791 until 1795. He became well known for his theatrical portraiture, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1792 until 1821.
At his studio in Drury Lane many actors and actresses came to sit for him and his theatrical portraits appeared in numerous publications, including the Monthly Mirror, John Cawthorn's Minor British Theatre and William Oxberry's New English Drama.
