4 18th c. Houbraken engravings Williamsburg era Start Price USD 89.99 Current Price USD 89.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Location Oxford, PA See more about '4 18th c. Houbraken engravings Williamsburg era' Description        For auction is a set of four 18th century engravings, three by Houbraken and one by Vertue, based on original portraits of important Englishmen.  All four men are from the late 16th century and early 17th century and are thus dressed in the appropriate style.          The first portrait is of Francis, Earl of Bedford (1593-1641), a statesman and member of the privy council under.  This engraving by Vertue is based on a portrait by Van Dyke.  The second portrait is of William Russel, Earl of Bedford (1616-1700), son of Francis, who on several occasions changed sides in politics under the Stuarts.  This engraving by Houbraken is also based on a portrait by Van Dyke.  Under the cartouche is a small depiction of a battle.  The third portrait, also engraved by Houbraken, is of Francis Lord Cottington (1579-1652), who served as chancellor of the exchequer under Charles I.  He was ostracized for being a Catholic.  The fourth portrait is of Sir Kenelm Digby (1603-1665), a statesman and then a privateer under the Stuarts, a representative for the Catholics under the Protectorate, and a scientist, acquaintance of Ben Jonson, and the inventor of the modern wine bottle.  Again, this engraving was made by Houbraken.  Under the cartouche are depicted a globe, books, and pots of flowers,             Each image is about 8 3/4 by 14 1/4 inches.  There is some foxing around the edges of the pictures, potential small water stains to the margins of both the Bedfords, and a tear to the bottom left corner of Digby's portrait, but all of the images are mostly unaffected.            These portraits would make an extremely handsome addition to any colonial, georgian or Williamsburg-style decor.  These were referred to as "heads" and were widely used in Colonial America.          All sales are final, so please ask any questions before bidding.  Thank you. Place a Bid!