The Image
A mezzotint measuring 18" x 13". Published 11 June 1771. After an oil on canvas by
Gainsborough in the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. This is
a rare mezzotint; there are two in the National Portrait Gallery in London (accession
nos. NPG D32258 and D32259) and one in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich
(accession no. PAH6478).
About the Artists
Based on the painting by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), one of England’s foremost
society painters in the 18th century.
Engraved by John Dixon (1740-1801), who was born in Dublin and trained at the Dublin
Society’s schools before moving to London in around 1765. By 1770 he had engraved
four fine mezzotints after Reynolds, published by William Wynne Ryland. Dixon’s major
prints include Rembrandt’s Framemaker and the highly-praised Tygress after George
Stubbs. He became director of the Society of Artists in 1772. In 1775, he married
a rich widow of some social standing and had to agree to give up his profession.
His final exhibit, Fitzgerald James, 1st Duke of Leinster after Reynolds, was described
by Horace Walpole as ‘a masterpiece of Art which has never been excelled’.
Published by John Boydell (1719-1804), an English engraver and print publisher, originator
and builder of the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery. He studied engraving in London and
in 1746 published a volume of views of bridges in England and Wales. It is as the
publisher of works by other engravers, however, that he is better known. He managed
to secure the services of the best artists and his business became extensive and
lucrative. He rose to be Lord Mayor of London in 1790.
The Subject
Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch and 5th Duke of Queensberry (1746-1812), landowner
and army officer.
The young duke was a popular landlord; according to his friend Walter Scott, ‘his
name was never mentioned without praise by the rich and benedictions by the poor’.
His friendly expression, graceful tilt of the head and affectionate embrace of his
dog, show him as a man of feeling. Yet the half-hidden Star of the Order of the Thistle
and the low viewpoint ensure that viewers are aware of his rank.
