[Arthur Pond.] J. Houbraken sculps. Amst. 1746.
[J.& P. Knapton, c.1746.]
Line engraving, proof before title. 372 x 229mm, 14½ x 9". Full margins; a fantastic proof impression.
Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford (1676-1745), was a Whig statesman; in all but name he was Prime Minister, 1721-42. He came to office in the wake of the South Sea Bubble crisis and built up British prosperity in a long period of peace by his economic reforms. He obtained more power than any previous minister and remained in office for over twenty years, resorting to bribery and patronage to overcome unpopularity. His reign came to an end when he was drawn into an unsuccessful war with Spain. A fine proof printed in amsterdam prior to Thomas Birch's 'Heads of the Illustrious Persons of Great Britain' 1743-52.
[Ref: 13464]  £220.00