Dighton, Richard [Sir Moses Haim Montefiore]

Richard Dighton. [Sir Moses Haim Montefiore.]

London: Drawn, etched, and published by Richard Dighton, June, 1818. Reissue published by Thomas McLean, 26 Haymarket, 1824. 11 3/4 x 8. Original hand color. Full margins. George: 14686? Very good condition.

Italian-born English philanthropist Moses Haim Montefiore (1784-1885) was raised and went to school in London, then was apprenticed to a provision merchant. Later, he entered a counting-house in London, eventually becoming one of the twelve Jewish brokers then licensed by the city. In 1812 Montefiore married Judith, daughter of Levi Barent Cohen. His brother Abraham joined him in a business partnership until 1816; as brokers for Nathan Rothschild the brothers became quite wealthy. Moses was able to retire from the Stock Exchange in 1821, and in 1824 he assisted in founding the Alliance Assurance Company, of which he was the first president.