Etching with engraving of King George III's crown, 1763, by Edward Rooker (British, 1712-1774), captioned: "The True Representation of the Rich Imperial Crown of State, Worn by his most Sacred Majesty King GEORGE the Third, on the Day of his CORONATION, September 22, 1761. The Crown being 8 Inches Diameter & 12 inches high, from the Ermin border to the Summit of the Transparent Cross; Embellished with 2621 Brilliants of the finest water. Provided by Mr. Aaron Franks, Several of which weighing above 100 Grains Each, together 12 Ounces or One pound Troy weight, Surpassing in Richness and Beauty, all the Preceeding Crowns in England. Made under the Direction of Francis Grofse Jeweller in London. Published according to Act of Parliament July 1763."The artist, Edward Rooker (E. Rooker printed lower right of image) was born in Towcester in Northamptonshire around 1712, to Michael and Ann Rooker, and was a pupil of Henry Roberts, a landscape engraver. He became celebrated for his architectural plates, which he executed in an extremely rich and artistic style. Art historian Horace Walpole termed him the "Marc Antonio" of architecture. Rooker was also an actor, working at the Drury Lane Theatre in London between 1752–74, often playing the role of the harlequin. Perhaps Rooker's finest work is a set of six views of London, engraved in the manner of Piranesi from drawings by Paul and Thomas Sandby, which he published himself in 1766. In that year he also drew and engraved a large view of Blackfriars Bridge, then in course of construction. He engraved many landscapes after William Pars, Paul Sandby, Richard Wilson, and others. He also etched, in conjunction with Sandby, three of the set of six large plates of subjects from Tasso's "Gerusalemme Liberata" painted by John Collins. Mounted and double matted. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Impression: 17" H x 14.375" W, on larger sheet. Overall: 23.5" H x 21" W]. Age toning and foxing.

Age toning and foxing.