WILLIAM BAILLIE
1723 Carlow – 1810 London
-----------------------------------------
Old Man with a Long Beard - 1763
Etching and drypoint after Salvator Rosa (Italian, 1615-1673). Size of sheet: 22 x 16.5 cm.
Meyer 1872-85 (43.II); Le Blanc (91).
Richly inked impression with margins all around the platemark. Some staining after the old glue, otherwise the sheet is in excellent condition.
Comparative impressions: The MET – inv.2012.494.6; the BM – inv.W,7.199.
£975.-
William Baillie after Salvator Rosa: Old Man with a Long Beard
Often known as "Captain William Baillie" was an Irish printmaker, known especially for works in the style of, or directly copied from, the etchings of Rembrandt and other 17th century artists. Usually described as an amateur artist. He joined the British Army around 1742, served until 1761, and reached the rank of captain. In 1753 he made his earliest dated print, a portrait. From 1762 Baillie exhibited at the Society of Artists, England's first public exhibition venue. He also acted as an agent for art collectors, most notably Lord Bute.