Raphael's Mistress - Charles Howard Hodges

A refined mezzotint portrait by Charles Howard Hodges, capturing a woman in a turban, based on an original painting attributed to Giulio Romano.

This mezzotint by Charles Howard Hodges reproduces a painting attributed at the time to Giulio Romano, a pupil of Raphael. The subject, traditionally identified as Raphael's mistress, is depicted in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed away from the viewer. She wears an elaborate turban and a draped shawl, elements that reflect the romanticised, orientalist aesthetic popular in European portraiture during the late eighteenth century. The soft, atmospheric quality of the image is achieved through the mezzotint process, which allows for subtle gradations of tone and shadow.

Hodges, a British engraver who spent much of his career in the Netherlands, was highly skilled in translating the textures of fabric and the nuances of skin tone into the monochromatic medium of printmaking. The composition focuses on the sitter's contemplative expression, framed by the folds of her headwear and the heavy fabric of her garment. The dark background serves to push the figure forward, creating a sense of depth and focus on the subject's features.

This print reflects the period's interest in Old Master paintings, which were often disseminated through high-quality engravings for collectors and connoisseurs. The inscription at the base of the print notes that it was taken from an original picture in the possession of a private collector, a common practice for documenting works held in prestigious estates. The work demonstrates the technical precision of Hodges, who was known for his ability to capture the spirit of the original paintings he reproduced. The print remains a fine example of the reproductive engraving tradition, where the engraver acted as a bridge between the original oil painting and a wider audience of art enthusiasts.