A Tigress, 1798 - Engraved By John Murphy Courtesy Of George Stubbs.

A rare mezzotint by John Murphy from the original painting by George Stubbs. Probably engraved with the life-size portrait of the iconic Bengal tigress who was presented to the fourth Duke of Marlborough in Oxfordshire by Robert Clive, according to a set of recently discovered 18th century records. It was a time when exotic animals, including lions, tigers and elephants, were considered the ultimate status symbols of the British aristocracy. This tigress was the subject of three paintings by George Stubbs, who visited the palace to paint her from nature. One remains on display in oil at the palace and another solid for £7.9 million at auction in 1995. This is not the first engraving of this painting as it was previously engraved by John Dixon in 1772 After this etching plate was destroyed in a fire, John Murphy was permitted by Stubbs to complete his own etching of the work and the result was this stunning pictorial image much sought after by collectors and museums ever since. Titled in the lower middle 'A Tigress' and noted below as 'London. Published July 27, 1798. by J. Murphy, North map Paddington Green', the left corner reads 'Engraved by John Murphy by permission of W . Stubbs of the picture painted by himself and in his possession". This copy is one of the most beautiful engravings made in the history of the mezzotint. It is in a carefully preserved and well-preserved condition, with its original coloring, and housed in its original frame. High resolution images on request. Worldwide shipping available. Provenance: Sothebys London November 13, 1997 (lot 686) $8624 with premium. Private collection Germany. Mezzotint Executed: 1798 Plate: 24 1/8 in X 19 1/4 in / 63 cm x 49 cm Framed: 27 1/2 in x 24 in / 70 cm x 62.5 cm