Code: 11723
Rt Hon William Pitt (1759-1806)
Large Format Stipple Engraving after the Portrait Bust by Joseph Nollekens R.A. (1737-1823)
Engraved by Charles Parsons Knight (1743–1827?)
Printed on heavy wove paper
Published by the Engraver
London, 1809
Measures:-
79.5 mm x 52.5 mm (plate size)
88 cm x 59 cm (paper size)
99 cm x 70 cm (framed)
Framed with very broad margins.
Bust of Pitt placed within a feigned architectural niche. Lettered on an entablature beneath with the quotation "O Save My Country Heaven" and with the dedication "To the King's Most Excellent Majesty / This Print From The Bust of the Right Honble William Pitt / is with His Gracious Permission Humbly Dedicated by His Majesty's / Most Dutiful Subject and Servant Charles Knight" and with the artist's details "Nollekens R.A. Sculptor / Knight Sculpsit 1809" and publication line "Published March 1809 by C. Knight at Tabart's Library Bond Street"
The quote beneath the bust is taken from a verse in George Canning's 1807 poem "Elijah's Mantle (A Tribute to the Memory of the Rt Hon. William Pitt)" (published in 1809) comparing the British statesman to the Biblical prophet who defended Israel against the Canaanites and their worship of Baal. Canning urges the politicians of his age to take up Pitt's/Elijah's "mantle" in defence of British values:
Thy soul let Pitt's example fire,
With patriot zeal thy tongue inspire,
Spite of thy Gallic leaven;
And teach thee in thy latest day,
His form of prayer, (if thou canst pray)
"O save my country, Heaven!"
The publication line indicates that the print was circulated from 'Tabart’s Library' a publishing house and book shop located at 157 New Bond Street, run by the pioneering printseller Benjamin Tabart (1767–1833).
See NPG D49950 for similar
Joseph Nollekens' bust of Pitt was sculpted in 1807 after a death mask which he himself had taken of the British premier shortly after his demise. It was a popular model of which numerous replicas were made in his studio, including an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art [Object 1974.209] (Gift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon, 1974). Knight also produced a large stipple engraving after Nollekens' bust of Pitt's great political adversary Charles James Fox - indicating his commercialism rather than any loyalty to either of the rivals.
Condition:-
Generally in good condition. Historic creasing, frits and tears, some extending towards the platemark but image largely unaffected. Some inoffensive historical staining to the right hand side. Ready to hang.
An exceptionally characterful, well framed and imposing image in an appropriately large format to suit one of the giants of Georgian politics.
