ELEVATION OF THE BRAZEN SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS 1783 Robert Blyth ETCHING

Original 1781 16 1/4 inch x 19 3/4 inch Etching and Engraving titled THE ELEVATION OF THE BRAZEN SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS

Moses standing on the right, raising his right arm towards the brazen serpent which is draped over a cross in a clearing at the foot of a mountain-side, berating the people of Israel, who fall on their faces all around, worshipping it, several in the foreground grappling with snakes.

Printed and published by Robert Blyth (1750 – 1784). Reproductive etcher and engraver.

From the painting by John Hamilton Mortimer (1740 – 1779). John Hamilton Mortimer ARA was a British figure and landscape painter and printmaker, known for romantic paintings set in Italy, subjects from national history, works depicting conversations, and works drawn in the 1770s portraying war scenes.

Inscription: Lettered below the image: “From the original Design by Mortimer, for the East Window of Salisbury Cathedral; executed in Stained Glass by Mr. James Pearson, at the Expence of the Earl of Radnor’ to whom the engraver dedicates the plate and ‘The Drawing is in the Possession of John Hunter Esqr,, / John Mortimer Invt. et del. / R. Blyth fecit. / London published as the Act directs, April 26th. 1783, by R. Blyth No. 105, New Bond Street”

The etching is in good condition with a piece out of the right border leading into a tear within the image. There is general age-related toning, foxing and minor defects from handling. It is tacked to thicker paper.