SHIPWRECK OF ST. PAUL 1794 William Byrne - Philip James de Loutherbourg ETCHING

Original 1794 14 3/8 inch x 18 1/4 inch Etching and Engraving titled THE SHIPWRECK OF ST. PAUL

Shipwreck with figures clinging to driftwood, Paul in the centre reaching up to the heavens. >Print by Benjamin Pouncy (1750 - 1799). Engraver and topographer.

After the painting by Philip James de Loutherbourg (1740 - 1812). De Loutherbourg was born in Strasbourg, the son of a miniature painter and engraver. He trained in France, specialising in landscape painting, and he was subsequently made painter to Louis XIV. In 1771 he came to England at the invitation of the actor-manager, David Garrick and painted spectacular sets for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His interest in technical innovation led to the 'Eidophusikon', a precursor of the cinema using transparent images and light effects. He was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy, to which he was elected in 1781. As well as dramatic landscapes, he produced history paintings and published prints recording his tours of picturesque scenery in England and Wales.

Published by Thomas Macklin (1752/3 – 1800), Poets Gallery, Fleet Street

Inscription: Lettered below image with title, bible reference, production detail: "P. I. De Loutherbourgh Pinxt.", "B. T. Pouncy Sculpt." and publication line: "London, Publish'd March 1st. 1794, by Thos. Macklin, Poets Gallery, Fleet Street"

The etching is in very good condition with some foxing and general age-related toning and minor defects from handling.