George Wister Hodge Ritchie (1857-1929) after Frances Meade and Gilbert Stuart. “Martha Washington/George Washington.”
Ca. 1885. Each 4 x 3 ¼ (image). Mezzotint by G. W. H. Ritchie. Light browning at top, not affecting image. Very good condition. Ref: The Unequaled Collection of Engraved Portraits of Washington Belonging to Hon. James T. Mitchell. 1906. #845.
A New York printer, etcher and engraver, Ritchie was selected by Winslow Homer to print his portfolio of etchings. George Ritchie was the son of engraver A. H. Ritchie who was one of the best historical print makers of the mid-nineteenth century. The elder Ritchie is particularly known for the clarity and richness of his large engravings such as “The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation,” and “Lady Washington’s Reception.”