The Burial of General Fraser.
1794.
Stipple and line engraving by W. Nutter, published by John Jefferys, London, 1 Nov. 1794; 19 x 24 in. (plate-mark).
Brigadier General Simon Fraser commanded the Advance Corps of “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne’s army and distinguished himself in combat during the 1777 Northern Campaign. While leading his troops during the “2nd battle of Saratoga” on October 7th, he became a conspicuous target for American riflemen and was mortally wounded. He died the following morning and, according to his wishes, was quietly buried that evening in the British lines attended only by his military family and a few senior army officers. One of the latter, Burgoyne himself, observed that the funeral--held under enemy fire-- “would make one of the finest subjects for the pencil of a Master.” Scottish-born artist John Graham rose to the challenge and sought and received the patronage of that general and other surviving officers, who agreed to sit for portrait studies and provide information on the event. In 1791, Graham exhibited the painting at the annual Royal Academy exhibition to great notice and a subscription was taken for the engraving, which was completed and published in 1794. This fine example is one of the first strikes from Nutter’s copperplate engraving, being a final proof state of the print prior to publication. It differs from the published version in terms of the legend below the image within the platemark, which has additional text added to it in the latter. A key to the figures in the scene, along with extensive documentation, accompanies the print.
Item #111Price: $1,600.00