November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
“His Excellency Lieut. Genl. Sir George Beckwith, KB, Govr of Brabadoes, Commander of His Majesty's Forces in the West Indies.” I. Eckstein Pinxt. S.W. Reynolds Sculpt. [n.p. but probably London; n.d., but c.1810.] A large and fine mezzotint, lettered state, 27" x 17" platemark with wide margins; conservation-matted and framed (28-1/4" x 18-1/4" view. Sir George Beckwith (1753-1823) had a long and distinguished military career, beginning as a company officer during the American Revolution. This rare portrait engraving is from the life portrait of Lieutenant General Beckwith painted in the West Indies by John Eckstein following the general’s capture of the French islands of Martinique (1809) and Guadeloupe (1810). The original oil painting is now lost, but a watercolor study of the background survives in the National Army Museum (London) that is also reproduced in this magnificent mezzotint by Reyolds. It shows black troops of the 3rd West India Regiment taking a fortified bridge at Ile Castenet, Guadeloupe. During the War of 1812, Beckwith was less successful in his amphibious assault on Craney Island in 1813, which resulted in an American victory. Whitman 19. CONDITION: An extremely fine example, the impression strong and paper bright and clean. JLK
Item Dimensions: 37 - 1/2 x 27"