Portret van John Fielding 1762 - 1765

This mezzotint portrait of John Fielding, the younger half-brother of the novelist Henry Fielding, was created by James McArdell, a prominent Irish mezzotint engraver. The engraving depicts John Fielding seated in a pose indicative of his role as magistrate and justice of the peace in London. The subject's hand rests upon a stack of books, and he holds a rolled document in the other. McArdell skillfully rendered the fine details of Fielding’s clothing and the texture of the books and documents. The artwork is a fine example of portraiture from the 18th century, and it conveys the subject's dignified and intellectual presence.