HEBE (Mrs. Musters) — Antique 1785 Mezzotint Engraving after Sir Joshua Reynolds

Original late 18th-century mezzotint engraving depicting Sophia Catherine Musters (née Heywood) in the classical guise of Hebe, Goddess of Youth, pouring nectar from a jug into a chalice for Jupiter’s eagle. Painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds and engraved in mezzotint by Charles Howard Hodges, this sheet was published in London on October 20th, 1785, by J. R. Smith. This is the fully lettered state, not a proof.

Attribution & Publication
After the painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A.
Engraved in mezzotint by Charles Howard Hodges (1764–1837)
Published in London, October 20, 1785, by J.R. Smith
Full title and publication line printed in the lower margin

Measurements
Plate size: approx. 14.75" wide x 24" high (37.5 x 61 cm)
Sheet size: approx. 16.75" wide x 26.5" high (42.5 x 67.3 cm)

Condition
Please examine the photos closely, as they form part of the description. This is a genuinely antique impression, nearly 240 years old, and shows wear consistent with its age: overall toning/browning to the sheet, some edge wear and small losses at the corners and margins, scattered spotting. There are older stabilizing conservation repairs on the back. The strips are lightweight, Japanese paper, providing support. The sheet may have been washed or at least re-aligned/flattened during a prior conservation intervention. The image itself remains clear and well-defined, with strong contrast in the mezzotint's characteristic velvety dark tones. Sold as-is; no restoration has been attempted. Please zoom in on all photos before bidding/buying, as they are the best guide to actual condition.

About the Image
Mezzotint was the preferred medium of the late 18th century for reproducing fashionable portraits, prized for its rich tonal range and softness. This plate is a well-documented example of the type, with impressions held in institutional collections including the Rijksmuseum and the Yale Center for British Art.

Shipping
Ships flat, reinforced to protect against further damage in transit. Combined shipping available for multiple purchases.