Joseph Addison, Esq.

Date1748

Artist/Maker Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)

Publisher John and Paul Knapton

After work by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching

DimensionsOVERALL: 9 3/4" X 16"

Credit LineGift of Mr. R. B. Dunwoody

Object number1930-642

DescriptionText around portrait reads: "JOSEPH ADDISON Esq.r"
Lower margin reads: "G. Kneller pincit./ In the Collection of Jacob Tonson Esq.r/ Impensis J & P Knapton Londini 1748/ J. Knapton sculps/ Amst. 1748."
Label TextThis is one of the portraits for the Kit Kat Club and was then included in volumes of Birch's "The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, Engraved by Mr Houbraken and by Mr Vertue" (London, 1743-1752) (compiling of portraits of famous people); these were sold in the Colonies.

Black and white portrait print line engraving; this is a half figure portrait with Addison facing right, wearing informal dress, but a full wig; subject is pictured in an oval frame that is highly decorated with ribbon and flowers; below this is engraved a border showing a picture of Pegasus on top of a mountain and a mask, crown, lyre, cadeusus and several books.