Set 4 Antique Georgian Etchings by Robert Dighton

A charming set of 4 antique caricature portrait etchings by the renowned artist and printmaker Robert Dighton dating from circa 1796 to circa 1809. This collection of Georgian prints are beautifully mounted and glazed in modern gilt frames. The 4 etchings are: ‘A view of Norfolk’ a caricature portrait of Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk (1746-1815), Politician; MP for Carlisle and Arundel. Hand-coloured etching, published 1 February 1796 ‘A View Taken At Oxford’ a caricature portrait of John Smith (1744–1809), who was the Master of Pembroke College, Oxford, and Rector of Fairford. Hand-coloured etching, published January 1808 ‘The Late Right Revd Dr Samuel Horsley, Lord Bishop of St Asaph’ a caricature portrait of Samuel Horsley (1733-1806), Bishop of St Asaph; Secretary of the Royal Society. Hand-coloured etching, published December 1809. ‘The Towns-end’ a caricature portrait of John Townsend (1760-1832) who was a Bow Street Runner. Hand-coloured etching, published 4 December 1804. Robert Dighton (c.1752 – 1814) was an English portrait painter, printmaker, and caricaturist. In the 1770s Dighton began acting and singing in plays at the Haymarket Theatre, Covent Garden and Sadler’s Wells while at the same time training and exhibiting at the Royal Academy; entering the Royal Academy in 1722. Much of Dighton’s early work was issued anonymously, but by the early 1790s it became increasingly well-known and he began etching and publishing under his own name. In awkward poses and with ruddy faces, Dighton’s satirical caricatures included lawyers, military officers, actors and actresses who were seen about town, as well as down-at-heel types. In 1795 he brought out a Book of Heads and thenceforth devoted himself chiefly to caricature. His work is noted as being less savage than that of his contemporaries, James Gilray and George Cruikshank. By the start of the century, his success allowed him to open a shop in Charing Cross, where he sold his own prints and those of others. Construction: Framed antique prints Condition Report: Original condition with Scuffs, wear and marks commensurate with age. Some foxing and marks to prints in places. Frame Dimensions: Height: 37cm Width: 32cm Depth: 2cm