“What’s That” J. H. Barnes (after) engraved Joseph Bishop Pratt

"What's That."
J. H. Barnes (after) engraved Joseph Bishop Pratt
Mezzotint and mixed method engraving
Published by Fishel, Adler & Co. 1881

Measures:-
47 cm x 34 cm (including margins)
56 cm x 42.5 cm (framed)

Presented framed and glazed in its original late 19th Century oak frame which a gilt slip.

Lettered below the image with the title in open strengthened letters, and 'Painted by J.H. Barnes. // New York Published Sept,,r 1st,, 1881 by Fishel, Adler & Co,, 94, Fulton Street, Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1881 by Fishel, Adler & Co,, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. / Published by S. HIldesheimer & Co. Limited, London. // Engraved by J.B. Pratt.'

The printmaker Joseph Bishop Pratt (1854-1910) was an accomplished 'mixed-method' engraver who was a pupil of David Lucas (1802-1881) between 1868 and 1873.

The catalogues of the Royal Society of Artists and the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour list the artist "J.H. Barnes" living 28 Shaftesbury Road, Hammersmith. The Royal Academy records show the artist as "Joseph H Barnes" living at Aylesbury Villa, Hammersmith from 1868 to 1877 and then at "Harley Villa, 28 Shaftesbury Park". The 'Hammersmith Directory' of the period indicates that a "John Henry Barnes" lived at "Aylesbury Villa, Shaftesbury Road East". At some stage it might be possible to clarify the artist's name and finally identify who is behind this unusual image.

See BM 2010,7081.6954 for another impression of this very scarce print.