Sir William Pepperrell 1747

Peter Pelham's 1747 mezzotint engraving, "Sir William Pepperrell, Bart.", portrays the prominent figure of Sir William Pepperrell, a colonial military leader in the British American colonies. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, showcases Pepperrell in full regalia, emphasizing his status as a distinguished individual. Pelham, a skilled mezzotint engraver and portrait artist, captured the likeness of Pepperrell with meticulous detail, creating a compelling image of a significant historical figure. The inscription below the portrait highlights Pepperrell's role as a "Colonel" and "Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of the American Forces," providing context to his importance during the colonial period, particularly during the capture of Louisbourg in 1745. This detailed engraving, a prime example of the mezzotint style, offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure in colonial America.