catalog text
BENJAMIN GREEN (BRITISH, 1739-1813) AFTER GEORGE STUBBS A.R.A. (BRITISH, 1724-1806)
PHILLIS, A POINTER OF LORD CLERMONT'S
Mezzotint on laid paper | Published 1772 | Monogrammed "BG / GS" for Benjamin Green and George Stubbs
Item # C104050
A rare mezzotint engraving on laid paper executed by Benjamin Green after the oil painting by George Stubbs and published in London in 1772. It depicts Phillis, the beloved pointer dog belonging to William Henry Fortescue, the Earl of Clermont (British, 1722-1806). The original oil painting is held in the collection of Temple Newsam House, Leeds (see below). The dog is depicted with a right-facing profile and is alerting on prey in the distance, prowling before a rocky outcropping with fields in the distance. The lower edge is scratch titled in block letters "PHILLIS" just below his paw, then noted in the dirt "A Pointer of LORD CLERMONTS."
The engraving is professionally mounted and hung in a fine contemporary giltwood frame beneath conservator glass.
Notes:
- George Stubbs The Complete Engraved Works, Lennox-Boyd, 1989, 34
- British Museum of Art, acc. no. 2010,7081.5634 [same mezzotint, worn state]
- British Museum of Art, acc. no. 2010,7081.5633 [same mezzotint, earlier state]
- Royal Collection Trust, acc. no. 813191
- Similar example, Christie's, London, Sale 5437, 11 March 2008, lot 124, achieved 2000 GBP (approximately $ 3980 USD at conversion rate of 1.99 GBP/USD at time of sale; lot offered again at Christie's 19 July 2016 where it achieved 1875 GBP]
- For discussion on the original oil on canvas, see George Stubbs, Painter: catalogue raisonné, Judy Egerton, Yale University Press, 2007, p. 138-139; the original canvas is held in the permanent collection of Temple Newsam House, Leeds Museums and Galleries, acc. no. LEEAG.PA.1951.0014
Measurements: 19 3/8" H x 23 7/8" W [framed]
Condition Report:
Professionally cleaned, deacified and framed; trace foxing throughout; very minor hints of creasing; fine contemporary frame.