RARE ENGRAVING: Mrs. Billington as St Cecilia Engraving (Circa 1803) James Ward After Sir Joshua Reynold

Total size in matte and frame: 31 1/4" h x 25 1/4" w. 

Sheet size: 26 5/8" h x 16 3/4" w.

Image area: 25" h x 16 5/16" w.

Medium: Mezzotint on moderately thick, moderately textured, beige, laid paper

Overall appearance is good with some moisture marks on the matte (but not on the print) -- See photo #9.  And some residue under the glass -- See photo #5.  Typical signs of its antique age.

Provenance:  Kennedy & Co. Rare Prints (on backside). From a collector in a Gold Coast mansion on the north shore of Long Island.

A fine impression of this large well-known and marvelous mezzotint by James Ward (1723-1792) after the oil painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, showing the great 18th-century soprano standing full-length portrayed as St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. She is holding a score and appears to be singing together with a group of four cherubs above her, while another is placing a wreath on her head.

Elizabeth Billington's (1765-1818) mother was a pupil of Johann Christian Bach and Elizabeth also had some lessons with him. Her operatic debut took place in Dublin in 1784. She appeared in London in 1786 as Rosetta in Love in a Village and her success was immediate and catapulted her into a long and illustrious career in England and Italy. Many operas were written for her and her colorful personal life gave rise to much gossip.

Please examine the photos as they are part of the description. 

Smoke free, odor free home! 

We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back! Buy with confidence! 

I value my customers and my eBay selling reputation, if you have any problems with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will do my best to make your buying experience a positive one.

Thank you for shopping at HookedOnHandbagsETC!