Mrs. Bunbury 1791

"Mrs. Bunbury" is a mezzotint portrait by John Young, a prominent engraver of the late 18th century. Created in 1791, it depicts a woman in fashionable attire, likely of the upper class. Her elaborate headdress and soft drapery create a sense of elegance, while her gaze, directed towards the viewer, suggests both reserve and a touch of defiance. The use of mezzotint, a technique involving scratching into a copper plate, provides a rich, velvety texture and creates a nuanced tonal range, capturing the subtle gradations of light and shadow in the subject’s features. This portrait is a fine example of the artistry of John Young and offers a glimpse into the style and elegance of 18th-century society.