Vintage Framed Print “on Chloe’s Sparrow” After Joshua Reynolds Mezzotint Print By Richard Houston

Interesting picture. A bit of a mystery. The only reference we can find to Richard Houston’s image on the web is to a copy of the original mezzo print in the British Museum. This picture is, however, coloured, and is framed beneath brown stained glass, making it darker. The old frame is charming, but somewhat tatty, with bits of lacquer flaking off the wooden surround at the front and back and on the textured ghesso mount. We are unsure what date to put on this. Probably 19th century? The image is portrait of Lady Christiana Collier, seated half length directed and with head in profile to left, looking at a dead bird on table; wearing loose robe over light dress with sash and flower at breast. Richard Houston, the Irish printmaker, lived from 1721-1775. Reynolds’ dates are 1723 to 1792. Very atmospheric image. Sold as seen.