A Captain of Banditti

1778

John Hamilton Mortimer

Associated Names
John Hamilton Mortimer

Artist, British, 1740 - 1779

This is a drawing of a knight being directed by a figure in elaborate costume. The scene shows a person in elaborate clothing gesturing toward the horizon while another figure in armor and carrying a sword appears to take action. The two figures are in a rocky landscape with a cloudy sky overhead. The detailed line work shows intricate patterns on their clothing. The composition emphasizes a moment of decision or command. In the background, there is a fence and trees, suggesting an outdoor setting. The cross-hatching technique adds depth and texture to the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on wove paper

  • Credit Line

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

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30.4 × 20.2 cm (11 15/16 × 7 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 45.8 × 30 cm (18 1/16 × 11 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.53.71

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Sunderland 1986, no. 140.11

  • Series Title

    Fifteen Etchings Dedicated to Sir Joshua Reynolds

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Campbell Fine Art, London, 2 August 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. 140.11

Inscriptions

lower center in plate: A CAPT.N of BANDITTI sending out a party / Publish'd Dec.r 8, 1778, by I. Mortimer; by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 8SB 29 IX 102 by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: AN 10215

Wikidata ID

Q77259473

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