Name/Title
Allegory of PaintingEntry/Object ID
VC.58.28 a-bDescription
a. Painting: Picture of group of figures in classical landscape: lady in brown dress seated at easel holding oval portrait bust of female subject; female artist's brush poised in right hand as she studies model, a woman in a tan and white billowy costume who reclines on a sofa; another woman leans over model while dog sleeps at her feet; young man in wig, wearing gold coat, red vest, breeches, and a tricornered hat stands behind artist; at left, male and female figures wearing red and brown respectively, recline on grass; background in Baroque garden with four statues on pedestals, a building resembling Whitehall, and classical ruins; semi-cultivated trees; one behind the artist hung with brown drapery; colors are mainly brown, reds, and greens; but varnish has given everything a golden tone; title at bottom of print reads: "Printed for John Bowles and Son. PAINTING at the Black Horse in Cornhill." Engraver's signature in lower left: "R. Houston Fecit."
b. Frame: Black molding and an inner "sanded-spandrel" gilded and carved edge.Artwork Details
Medium
glass, Oil Paint, Ink, varnish, Glass, oil paint, ink, varnishMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Richard HoustonAttribution
EngraverArtist
UnknownAttribution
ArtistManufacturer
John Bowles & SonDate made
circa 1750Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
See descriptionOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
VC.58.28 A & B
VC.58.28 A-B
VC.58.28a-b
Dimensions
Dimension Description
FrameHeight
14-5/8 inWidth
18-7/8 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 14 5/8 x 18 7/8 in. (37.1 x 47.9 cm)Dimension Description
Glzd. areaHeight
10-1/8 inWidth
14 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 10 1/8 x 14 in. (25.7 x 35.6 cm)Condition
Notes
Remarks: Painting: paint cracking.Notes
Remarks: The old frame has some chips, dents and worm holes, now filled with black paint.
Details of condition: (1/29/02) poor condition, varnish dark.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Van Cortlandt FamilyNotes
Former ownerRelated Entries
Notes
VC.58.29 a-b - Painting - Part of set
VC.58.29 a-b - Painting - Similar item
VC.58.30 a-b - Painting - Part of set
VC.58.30 a-b - Painting - Similar item
VC.58.31 a-b - Painting - Part of set
VC.58.31 a-b - Painting - Similar itemGeneral Notes
Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
Miscellaneous: - Method.
The black print of a mezzotint engraving cemented to Crown or Bristol glass with oil of turpentine; paper removed in layers from the reverse, leaving only the ink lines and dots; oil color was applied from the reverse of glass; coat of mastic varnish on the transfer printed and painted glass was applied in transparent and protective coat. (See Hughs).
The process was used from the late 17th century to about the 1770s. However, mezzotints were known in England as early as 1665 when Pepys mentions them in his diary.
Harry Shaw Newman of the Old Print Shop supplied an 18th century frame.Note Type
General NoteNote
Van Cortlandt family possessionNote Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Manor, Storeroom/Curatorial Storage