Conversing with a Captive

1779

Robert Blyth, after John Hamilton Mortimer

Associated Names
Robert Blyth

Artist, British, 1750 - 1784

John Hamilton Mortimer

Artist After, British, 1740 - 1779

The image shows two full-length figures. On the left, a person is partially reclining against a stone-like structure, with a sword resting at their side and their right arm resting on their thigh. This individual is looking towards the viewer, with curly, short hair visible. They wear loosely draped clothing that gathers in folds around the waist and legs. On the right, another person stands, positioned with one leg bent and slightly forward. They are holding a spear upright in their left hand and have their right hand on the brim of a helmet, which partially obscures their face. Their hair is long and flowing, visible under the helmet. This individual also wears draping attire that clings to the form. In the background, there are several figures, some with turbans, gathered around or leaning against architectural ruins. Billowing clouds fill the sky above the scene.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Thomas Vogler in memory of his brother Donald J. Vogler

  • Dimensions

    plate: 23.2 × 17.4 cm (9 1/8 × 6 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 43 × 29.2 cm (16 15/16 × 11 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.53.90

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Sunderland 1986, no. 71.2

  • Series Title

    Banditti Variously Employed


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Campbell Fine Art, London, 4 May 1992); Donald Vogler, Portland, OR; gift to NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1986

  • Sunderland, John. "John Hamilton Mortimer: His Life and Works," Walpole Society 52 (1986): no. 71.2

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Drawn by J. H. Mortimer; lower center in plate: Conversing with a Captive. / London, Publish'd as the Act directs 15th Nov. 1779 by R. Blyth, No. 27 Great Castle Street, Cavendish Square; lower right in plate: Etched by R. Blyth

Wikidata ID

Q77259509

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