John Boydell 1772

This 1772 engraving by Valentine Green depicts John Boydell, a renowned English engraver and publisher. The portrait showcases Boydell seated, his hand resting upon a rolled-up print, highlighting his profession. Green’s masterful use of stipple engraving, a technique that utilizes dots to create tonal variations, captures the sitter’s features with remarkable detail. The print is an example of the "portraiture" genre, a staple of art history, and is a testament to Green's artistic skill and the significant role of engravings in disseminating portraits during the 18th century.