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Lot Number: 122
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Estimate Range: $1,500 - $2,000
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George Washington Mezzotint Proof Print Artist Signed by “S(amuel) Arlent Edwards” after James Sharples’ Painting

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SAMUEL ARLENT EDWARDS (1861-1935). American Artist and Engraver, born in England, best known for his exceptional skills in the art of engraving; his engravings highly sought after by collectors.

c. 1899, George Washington Mezzotint Print, Artist Signed, “S Arlent Edwards” in large pencil measuring about 4” long at bottom right, after the Painting by James Sharples, Framed, Choice Mint. A shaded mezzotint print, the image measuring 9.25” x 7.25”, plate size 11.25” x 8.5” (by sight), an apparent PROOF impression. Washington’s adopted grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, stated that the Sharples portrait most accurately represented George Washington’s face.

Professional archivally matted with ornate framing measuring fully to 19.5” x 16.75” and viewed through special UV Plexiglas, adding outstanding eye appeal to this beautiful presentation, ready to display. This image of George Washington engraved after the original oil painting by James Sharples (1752-1811), and is Signed in pencil, “S. Arlent Edwards” in the margin below the image, numbered “598” at the lower left corner. George Washington Parke Custis described the Sharples’s original drawing as, “an admirable likeness, the profile taken by an instrument, and critically correct.”

Samuel Arlent Edwards (1862-1935) came to America in 1890 and successfully revived the art of printing in color from mezzotint plates. In 1899, J. Percy Sabin on Nassau Street in New York published this fabulous interpretation of Sharples’ great oval George Washington profile portrait. Most likely it was commissioned for the Grolier Club exhibition commemorating the 100th Anniversary of George Washington’s death. Superb Mint, with a sharp and fresh impression that would enhance any Washington or print collection. See: Hart 703a; Goodspeed’s Catalog, April 8, 1928, #42.

Provenance Ex: Noted Americana Dealer Bruce Gimelson; EAHA Auction October 9, 2004 Lot 352 to the present consignor.

Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II


Samuel Arlent Edwards (American, born England, 1861-1938); after James Sharples (American, born England, 1752-1811) George Washington Mezzotint; New York: printed by J. Percy Sabin, 1899

In 1796 or 1797 the pastel portraitist James Sharples created three Life Portraits of Washington in Philadelphia, which were among the last portraits for which Washington would sit.

In order to ensure “physiognomic” (facial) accuracy, Sharples is reported to have traced Washington’s profile with a mechanical instrument, likely similar to the tool employed by Saint-Mmin for his profile of the president, in the following print.

George Washington Parke Custis described Sharples’s drawing as “an admirable likeness, the profile taken by an instrument, and critically correct.”
Lot Number: 122
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Estimate Range: $1,500 - $2,000
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