The Death of the Earl of Chatham
Date1791
Geography
Published -
England
Medium/TechniqueInk on paper; mezzotint engraving
DimensionsOverall (H x W): 25 3/4 in. x 32 1/2 in. (65.41 cm x 82.55 cm)
Credit LinePurchased by the A. Alfred Taubman Acquisition Endowment Fund, 1997
Object numberPrint-5228/A/RP-823
DescriptionThis print is a historic fine art print depicting the dramatic moment of collapse of William Pitt the Elder, or the Earl of Chatham on 7 April 1778, during a debate in the House of Lords on the American War of Independence. It is a group portrait that depicts many prominent politicians of the day in the British House of Parliament. Pitt is central to the image, illuminated by a beam of light, and surrounded by the other figures. MarkingsPritned in ink below the bottom left corner of the image :"J.S. Copley R.A. pinxt.".
Printed in ink below the bottom right corner of the image: "F. Bartolozzi R.A. sculpt. / Engraver to his Majesty".
Printed in ink below the image, centered: "To the King's most excellent Majesty / The Death of the Earl of Chatham is with / His gracious Permission humbly Inscribed by his Majesty's most faithful & dutiful Servt. John Singleton Copley / London, Published as the Act directs May 1st 1791 by J.S. Copley No. 24 George Street, Hanover Sqare.".
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c. 1766
1784