Thomas Trotter c.1750-1803 Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Study for Engraving

Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Drawing in pencil on paper, in good condition for age with small red blemishes around the face. The portrait has been stuck to paper (with notes) then to part of the trimmed page of the book.

Drawn sheet measures 7cm x 9.5cm, total sheet with pencil notes 9cm x 14.5cm and trimmed page 11.5cm x 16.5cm.

From an album of 72 Drawings of heads by Thomas Trotter (c. 1750 - 1803), engraver and occasional publisher. This drawing was part of a wonderful, rare collection of studies for engravings. Each drawing was neatly tipped in the album leaves of a bound book, with marbled boards and red leather detail. Embossed gold detailed on the book edge, titled ‘Portraits Drawn by Trotter’. On the inside cover of the book is a label detailing the book case and shelf number. There is a larger label below For the Carton Library (Carton House was one of Ireland's greatest stately homes). Also the Fitzgerald’s family shield with the motto "Crom A Boo" which comes from the medieval Croom Castle and "Abu", meaning "up" in Irish. Crom Abu was the Fitzgerald’s' medieval war cry. Carton remained in the control of the Fitzgerald’s until the early 1920s. Detailed in pen on the second page ‘ Drawings of heads by Thomas Trotter. These are much Superior to the engraved portraits that were copied from the drawings’.

I will be listing all the works in the collection. Most of the portraits have been trimmed, oval in shape and applied to paper with notes below. Average size of this paper around  9cm x 15cm with several larger studies up to 19cm x 24cm. The notes detail the subjects name and also of where it was drawn. Some were drawn from life, where as others were studies after other artists, drawn in galleries etc... There are fine grid lines drawn in pencil the majority of the works.

Portraits included- Archimedes, Edward 4^th/5^th, Pope Ganganelli, Duke of York, Thomas Frye, John Wycliffe, John Milton, Dr Dodd, Howe, Luther, Melanchthon; many reproduced in his engravings. Click here for a link to his engravings held in the National Portrait Gallery collection. I will also provide a link to the exact engraving that was produce from the drawings listed, if I am able to.

Condition of each drawing varies, with colouration, stains and foxing to some of the studies and book paper. The majority are pretty good and would present well if mounted and framed. In the additional images I have included several photos of the bound book, which is not included in the sale.

You will only pay the postage cost of one of the drawings for multiple purchases of these works.