ANNUNCIATION 1794 Francesco Bartolozzi - William Hamilton ANTIQUE ETCHING

Original 1794 10 1/8 inch x 12 inch Etching and Engraving titled THE ANNUNCIATION
On the right, the Virgin Mary kneeling and turning to the left; an open book in front of her; on the left, Archangel Gabriel, in profile, walking towards the right on a cloud; in the front middle a basket with knitting needles, a ball of wool, and a piece of knitting.

Print made by Francesco Bartolozzi (1728 - 1815). The engraver and painter Francesco Bartolozzi was a Founder Member of the Royal Academy who served as engraver to the King for almost 40 years. He engraved works by several of his fellow Royal Academicians, including Angelica Kauffman, Benjamin West and Joshua Reynolds.

From the painting by William Hamilton (1751 - 1801). A major eighteenth century historical painter, William Hamilton studied art in Rome and was apprenticed to Antonio Zucchi. He trained first as an architectural draftsman, but soon moved to theatrical portraits and scenes from plays. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1774, becoming an Associate in 1784 and an Academician in 1789.

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

Inscription: Lettered below the image: "W. Hamilton R.A. Pinx .t / Publish'd Dec. 19, 1794, by Tho.s Macklin, Poets Gallery, Fleet Street. / F. Bartolozzi R.A. Sculp.t / THE ANNUNCIATION / Luke. Ch.1.ve. 26. to.30."

Sheet size 14 1/4 inch x 18 1/4 inch

The etching is in very good condition with general age-related toning, foxing and minor defects from handling. The right border has been trimmed slightly.