Prosser, M. R. (McKechnie Section 6)

Recorded by Jackson (Dictionary), and known oniy from a double portrait of George III and Queen Charlotte, dated 1791 and inscribed `Georgius Rex et. Charlotte Rex et Regina', in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The portraits, the inscription, the decorative surround, and the stippled background appear to have been drawn with a fine pen. The whole of the background is covered with gold leaf (in a manner more Continental than English), giving an effect of gold against white which might be said to be the opposite of the more usual type of portrait painted in black against gold verre églomisé. The skill of the work suggests that the artist may have been an engraver. The portrait is signed 'M. R. Prosser invt. 1791'; by the use of the word invenit Prosser indicated that he was using a new technique.

It is almost certain that the artist was Michael Prosser, engraver and printer, known to have worked 1784-85 at 145 Swallow Street, London (see Graham Pollard, ed., John Pendred, The Earliest Directory of the Book Trade, London, 1955).

Ill. 1554

1554
George III and Queen Charlotte
Double profile drawn on glass against a gold background
1791
Diameter: 3 7/8 in./99mm.

 

Signed ‘M. R. Prosser invt. 1791’.

 

Crown Copyright. Victoria and Albert Museum, No. P124. 1931