NATHAN’S PARABLE 1796 Jean Marie Delattre - Richard Morton Paye ETCHING

Original 1796 14 3/8 inch x 18 1/4 inch Etching and Engraving titled NATHAN’S PARABLE

A poor family gathered outside a house, in distress as their only ewe is taken from them under the orders of the rich man standing at left.

Print by Jean Marie Delattre (1743 - 1843). French Engraver born in Abbeville and studied in Paris under Le Bas. Early career as portrait specialist, working for Esnauts & Rapilly. Came to England in 1770 to work for Ryland, where he married in 1773. He later worked for Francesco Bartolozzi. Partner with Victor Marie Picot in a print-selling business in St Martin's Lane, London, in the 1770s. Protagonist in a famous lawsuit.

After Richard Morton Paye (1750 - 1821). An important painter of the early English School and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. During his lifetime Paye was considered one of the most gifted painters in England but various personal misfortunes befell him and he died virtually penniless and in relative obscurity.

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

Inscription: Lettered below image with title and chapter reference, production detail: "Paye Pinxt.", "Delatre Sculpt." and publication line: "London, Published Feby. 9th. 1796 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.