PETHER, William (c.1738-1821):

A Farrier’s Shop, after Joseph Wright of Derby

Mezzotint, 1771. Chaloner Smith 49; J. Egerton, 1990, 158, third state of three, with the date altered from Dec 1 to Dec 2.

A good impression printed in dark brown ink, with small margins all round. The verso of the top edge skinned, with one small break in the paper and the upper right margin corner made up. Slight cockling. Otherwise in good condition. 507 x 354mm.
$3,000

Pether was strongly influenced by a series of mezzotints begun in 1765 by his teacher and subsequent partner Thomas Frye. For subject matter Pether gravitated to painters such as Rembrandt or Joseph Wright of Derby who had a preference for dramatic dark/light contrasts which also made the most of mezzotint’s potential.