The Society for the Encouragement of Arts etc. in the Distribution of their Annual Premiums [6 of 17 Prints]

Artist James Barry (1741 - 1806)

Date1791

MediumEngraving on paper

DimensionsImage Size: 41.7 x 50.2 cm

ClassificationsPrint

Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Donated by Eugene L. Clarke, 1963.

Object number1185.06

DescriptionSixth print of seventeen in 'A series of etchings by James Barry Esq. From his Original and Justly Celebrated Paintings in the Great Room of the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.'

Although the prints have been bound with the title 'A Series of Etchings ...' They are in fact engravings (intaglio prints).

A detailed and in-depth description is transcribed below. This description is taken from the bound version of Barry's etchings and printed on the page following the actual print.

'The Society.

This picture represents the distribution of the rewards in the Society, founded for the noble purpose of introducing and perfecting the useful arts in this country, for which we were formerly obliged to have recourse to other nations. Not far advanced from the left side of the picture, stands the late Lord Romney, then President of the Society, habited, as all the other noblemen are, in the robes of his dignity; near the President stands his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; and sitting at the corner of the print, holding his hand the instrument of the Institution, is Mr. William Shipley, "whose public spirit gave rise to this Society." One of the farmers, who are producing specimens of grain to the President, is Arthur Young, Esq. Near him is Mr. Moore, the late Secretary, distinguishable by the pen he holds. On the right hand of the late Lord Romney, stands the present Lord Romney, V.P.; and on the left, the late Owen Salusbury Brereton, Esq. V.P.
Towards the centre of the Picture is seen that distinguished example of female excellence, Mrs. Montague, who long honoured the Society with her name and subscription. Her example has been imitated by the late Duchess of Northumberland, and other ladies; and probably would have been followed by greater numbers, if it had been more generally known that the fair sex may become members of this institution, and that many of its objects are peculiarly adapted to female accomplishments. Mrs. Montague appears here recommending the ingenuity and industry of a young female, whose work she is producing. Near her are placed the late Duchess of Northumberl, the present Duke of Northumberland, V.P. the late Joshua Steele, Esq. V.P. the late Sir George Savile, Bart. V.P. Dr. Hurd Bishop of Worcester, Soame Jennings, and James Harris, Esqrs. and the two Duchesses of Rutland and Devonshire. Between these ladies, the late Dr. Samuel Jackson seems pointing out this example of Mrs. Montague to their Graces' attention and imitation. Farther advanced is his Grace the Duke of Richmond, V.P. and near him the late Edmund Burke, Esq. Still nearer the right hand of the Picture, is the late Edward Hooper, Esq. V.P. and the late Keane Fitzgerald, Esq. V.P. his Grace the late Duke of Northumberland, V.P. the Earl of Radnor, V.P. William Locke, Esq. and Dr. William Hunter, are examing some drawings by a youth, to whom a premium has been adjudged: behind him is another youth, in whose countenance the dejection he feels at being disappointed at the expectation of a reward, is finely expressed. Near the right side of the piece are seen the late Lord Viscount Folkstone, first President of the Society, his son the late Earl Radnor, V.P. and Dr. Stephen Hales, V.P. In the back-ground appear part of the water-front of Somerset House, St. Paul's, and other objects in the vicinity and view of this Society, as instituted at London. And as a very large part of the rewards bestowed by the Society have been distributed to promote the polite arts of painting and sculpture, the Artist has also most judiciously introduced a picture and statue: the subject of the Picture is the Fall of Lucifer, designed by Mr. Barry, when the Royal Academy had selected six of the members to paint pictures for St. Paul's Cathedral; the statue is that of the Grecian Mother dying, and in those moments attentive only to the safety of her child. In the corners of the piece are represented many articles which have been invented or improved by the encouragement of this Society. In one of the lower corners of this Picture are introduced two large models, intended by Mr. Barry as improvements in medals and coins.'

Below the image is an inscription. For the full inscription, see the Inscription field.

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