Object Description
A pair of Grand Tour etched paintings housed in modern mounts and frames, after Richard Dalton.
Dating to circa 1770, these paintings depict the illustrations of the wrestlers Mercurius e Museo Mediceo and Servus cultellum acuens et aufcultans.
These English depictions by J. Boydell would make the perfect pair for a period property looking to appreciate historical art, or even in a contemporary property looking to add neoclassical flair.
Richard Dalton (1715-1791)
Richard Dalton was a man of many trades, taking on the titles of painter, antiquarian, draughtsman, dealer, engraver during his lifetime.
He even became an antique dealer, particularly in prints, much like these, thanks to his role as librarian to Prince of Wales George III.
In order to enrich the royal collection Dalton travelled to Italy again in 1758, where he examined Cardinal Albani’s collection of drawings – an experience that landed him the role of Antiquary at the Royal Academy in 1770.
He went to Italy again in the mid to late 18th century, buying paintings and drawings both for the Royal collection, a number of British noblemen and himself, later becoming Keeper of King’s medals and drawings in 1774 and Surveyor of paintings in 1779.
Additional dimensions (as pictured)
Left: Height 51.5 x 56cm x 1.5cm
Right: Height 51cm x width 52.5cm x depth 1.5cm