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Lot Number: 117
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Estimate Range: $1,800 - $2,400
Current Bidding Status
This Lot is CLOSED for Absentee Bidding.
c. 1799 Miniature Proof Engraving of George Washington The Only Proof Known as Described by Hart #694

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c. 1799 Federal Period, Miniature Oval Portrait Proof Engraving of General George Washington shown in his Military Uniform, this the Only Known Proof being described by Hart #694 a Copper-Plate Stipple by William Harrison, Jr., Extremely Fine or better.

A form and size likely produced for use of General Washington’s image to be placed in Contemporary Handcrafted Commemorative rings. This being an Embossed Proof Strike on heavy rag period paper. Likely unique to our best knowledge. Copper-Plate Stipple Engraving of General George Washington that appears to have been based on the original Gilbert Stuart painted portrait. What makes this engraving so remarkable is its diminutive size; it measures in height about 3/4” and in width about 1/2”, impressed on heavy rag period paper, providing crisp sharp detail. The portrait’s engraving and eye appeal is excellent.

The original Copper-Plate press embossing on the paper is about 2-1/4” tall by 1.5” wide. Judging from other Washington engravings by Harrison listed in Charles Hart’s “The Engraved Portraits of Washington,” (where this type is listed as Hart 694), we date this engraving to 1800, when it was most likely created as an insert into a mourning item, perhaps a stick pin, brooch, or ring. The paper is a thick heavy rag paper and has no tears. Some light toning can be seen along some of the outer edges, but none of this affects the sharp image of Washington.

Apparently, this is a very rare if not unique engraving and Proof printing. For instance, when the American Art Association offered the Edwin Babcock Holden Collection in 1910, the very example used in the Hart reference was stated as: “Unknown to Baker. The only known copy, and the one described by Hart.” We have certainly never seen another and we have not been able to locate another appearance. To our best knowledge, a unique original Proof Strike.
William Harrison, Jr. was a skilled portrait engraver in Philadelphia, where he worked in line and stipple engravings. Very little of his signed work is seen and he was probably chiefly employed by the banknote engraving companies.
Keywords: George Washington, Miniature, Federal Period, Portrait, Military Uniform, Gilbert Stuart
Lot Number: 117
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Estimate Range: $1,800 - $2,400
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