Banditti Taking His Post, from "Fifteen Etchings Dedicated to Sir Joshua Reynolds" 1778

This etching by John Hamilton Mortimer, part of a series dedicated to the famous painter Sir Joshua Reynolds, depicts a bandit taking his post in a landscape. The dramatic composition, with the central figure in a commanding pose, and the use of strong chiaroscuro, characteristic of Mortimer’s style, evoke the sense of danger and intrigue associated with the figure of the bandit. "Banditti Taking His Post" is a fine example of the artist's work, capturing the drama and intensity of his chosen subjects.