Miravan Opening the Tomb of His Ancestors

1772

Valentine Green after Joseph Wright

Associated Names
Valentine Green

Artist, British, 1739 - 1813

Joseph Wright

Artist After, British, 1734 - 1797

This is a painting of an ancient scene with figures engaged in an indoor setting. The scene depicts a dramatic moment captured in an elaborate interior featuring intricate architectural elements. Three figures dressed in robes and varied headgear are in the foreground. One figure appears to be shielding their eyes while pointing forward, another is crouched low with a look of concern or intent, and the third appears muscular. Objects and shadows cast deep contrasts, enhancing the dramatic tension. Vegetation is visible on the left side, adding an element of nature punctuating the enclosed setting. The style resembles that of Joseph Wright of Derby, known for chiaroscuro and dramatic compositions.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 50.2 x 39.6 cm (19 3/4 x 15 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 54.9 x 39.8 cm (21 5/8 x 15 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.96.8

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Whitman 1902, no. 174


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Christopher Lennox-Boyd; (C. G. Boerner Limited, New York); purchased 2001 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1884

  • Smith, John Chaloner. British mezzotinto portraits, being a descriptive catalogue of these engravings from the introduction of the art to the early part of the present century. 4 vols. London: Henry Sotheran and Co., 1884.

1902

  • Whitman, Alfred. British Mezzotinters: Valentine Green. London: A.H. Bullen, 1902.

1990

  • Clayton, Tim. "Catalogue of Engraved Works," in Wright of Derby. London, 1990: 231-258.

2001

  • C. G. Boerner. Mezzotints from the Collection of Christopher Lennox-Boyd. London, 2001: no. 29.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Jos. Wright pinxit.; lower center in plate: Publish'd Decemr. 18th. 1772 / by J. Boydell, Cheapside; lower right in plate: V. Green fecit; lower center verso in graphite: P 2082 ROXL. CLB. 459 x 355 I; 504 x 356 PL

Watermarks

cross in oval

Wikidata ID

Q76359358

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