[G. Kneller pinxt.] J. Houbraken sculps. Amst. 1744.
Fine engraving with large margins, first state before "publisher's address; after Godfrey Kneller". Plate 375 x 240mm. 14¾ x 9½".
Portrait of Thomas Wharton, bust in profile to left but looking at the viewer, wearing a long wig; in an ornamental oval with draped curtain beyond; the sitter's coat of arms below; a richly decorated purse in lower left. From Thomas Birch's 'Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain'. Thomas Wharton, 1st Marquess of Wharton (1648-1715) was an English nobleman and politician. He was active before and during the Glorious Revolution. From 1708 to 1710 he was Commissioner for the Union of Scotland and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and he was also known for his love of horse-racing. Taken from the Kneller Kit-Cat Club portrait. Christopher Catling was the keeper of a pie-house in Shire Lane, by Temple Bar, where the club originally met hence "Kit-Cat" being his name abbreviated. The 18th century English club had strong political and literary associations, committed to the furtherance of Whig objectives.
[Ref: 24706]  £130.00