William Wycherley - John Smith

A fine mezzotint portrait of the dramatist William Wycherley, engraved by John Smith in 1703 after a painting by Sir Peter Lely.

This mezzotint portrait depicts the English dramatist William Wycherley. It is the work of John Smith, a master of the mezzotint process who was active in London during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The print is based on an original painting by Sir Peter Lely, a dominant figure in British portraiture during the Restoration period.

The composition follows the conventions of the era, presenting the subject within an oval frame. Wycherley is shown with the voluminous periwig characteristic of the time, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a composed expression. The mezzotint technique allows for a range of tonal values, creating soft transitions between light and shadow that define the contours of the face and the folds of the drapery. This method of printmaking was highly favoured for its ability to replicate the painterly qualities of oil portraits, providing a tactile sense of texture in the hair and clothing.

Below the portrait, the inscription identifies the sitter and includes the Latin phrase 'Quantum mutatus ab illo', a reference to Virgil. The inclusion of 'Etatis Suae 28' provides context regarding the age of the subject at the time of the original painting. John Smith was responsible for translating many of Lely's works into print, ensuring that the visual style of the court painter reached a wider audience. This print captures the aesthetic sensibilities of the late Stuart period, focusing on the formal presentation of the individual. The work remains a clear example of the technical proficiency achieved by British printmakers in the early eighteenth century, demonstrating the capacity of the mezzotint medium to convey depth and character through subtle gradations of ink.