Prints
1796 Mezzotint Print of David Rittenhouse Engraved by Edward Savage after Charles Wilson Peale, Philadelphia
December 10, 1796-Dated, Original Mezzotint Print of "David Rittenhouse LLD FRS" by Edward Savage after Charles Wilson Peale, Philadelphia, Choice Very Fine.
Edward Savage published this famous and dramatic image of Rittenhouse on December 10, 1796. This large Print measures about 18.5" x 13.5" on light card stock. The far bottom edge is partially trimmed, removing Rittenhouse's title: "President of the American Philosophical Society". Some trivial barely detectable fill can be made out on Rittenhouse's face and elsewhere in the fields. The overall eye appeal is excellent, and this will make an attractive, framed item for display.
This well-executed, mezzotint print shows Rittenhouse seated at a table in a long coat, his left hand pointing to a parchment before him. A telescope appears at left, with the eyepiece just at the height of Rittenhouse's eyes. The LLD FRS in the bottom margin refers to Rittenhouse's titles of Doctor of Laws and Fellow of the Royal Society in London, both honorary titles he shared with Benjamin Franklin. Interestingly enough, the publisher of the print, Edward Savage, purchased the original painting from the artist, Charles Wilson Peale, in 1796 for his museum. Shortly thereafter, Savage himself engraved the print and had copies run off for sale, presumably to raise money for himself and his museum. Savage owned the painting until 1817, after which he sold the contents of his museum. The painting went through numerous hands until it was finally gifted to the National Portrait Gallery in 1998, where it hangs on display today in the East Gallery (#142). We note that in 2012, an untrimmed example of this rare print, displayed in a gilt frame, sold at auction for $5,312.
DAVID RITTENHOUSE (1732"1796). Historic Early American Astronomer, Revolutionary War Treasurer of Pennsylvania, First Director of the United States Mint, succeeded Benjamin Franklin as President of the American Philosophical Society (1791"1796).
EDWARD SAVAGE began his career as a goldsmith and engraver. Primarily a self-taught painter, he may have studied briefly with the American artist Benjamin West while in London in 1791. Savage opened a gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1796, where he exhibited his paintings along with works he had collected from other artists. He moved his gallery to New York City in 1802, and to Boston in 1810, where it became the New England Museum. Savage is best known for his engravings of John Singleton Copley's paintings.