Buck metamorphos'd, or, Mr. Foote in the character of the Englishman return'd from Paris [graphic]

Description

Alternative Title

Buck metamorphosed
Mr. Foote in the character of the Englishman return'd from Paris

Creator

Smith, Gabriel, 1724-1783, printmaker, artist

Contributor

Ryall, John, publisher.
Withy, Robert, 1732-1803, publisher.

Published / Created

[approximately 1756]

Publication Place

London

Publisher

Printed for John Ryall & Robt. Withy, at Hogarth's Head in Fleet Street

Abstract

"Portrait of Samuel Foote in character; whole length, standing, wearing the latest 'French' fashions, including large fur muff, wig with pointed sides, mis-matched tights, and coat with over-sized cuffs; his outfit is scrutinized by two English gentlemen to the right; two men in background, one preparing a hat, bending over a dressing table with mirror."--British Museum online catalogue

On the back wall are two large framed pictures, both with scenes from mythology. On the left, Apollo with bow and arrow pursues Daphne who has begun the turn into a laurel tree. On the right, Leda and the swan

Description

Title engraved below image.
Date of publication based on the first performance of The Englishman returned from Paris, which premiered at Covent Garden Theatre in 1756.
Probably published no later than 1760, when Robert Withy began trading on his own from a Cornhill address. His partnership with John Ryall, at the Fleet Street address listed here, is documented by prints and trade cards in the British Museum from the 1750s. See British Museum online catalogue.
Sheet trimmed to plate mark.
For a probable reissue of this plate, published by C. Sheppard in the 1790s, see British Museum online catalogue, registration no.: K,60.14.
Cf. Catalogue of engraved British portraits preserved in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum, v. 2, page 231, no. 15.
Mounted to 37 x 27 cm.

Provenance