Lucy of Leinster by William Ward, 1788, via Donald Heald. 

I love Lucy!

From Donald Heald: 

“A sweet portrait of Thomas Tickell’s heroine “Lucy of Leinster,” engraved by the celebrated engraver William Ward.

William Ward is remembered as one of the most accomplished engravers of his day. He produced some of the most beautiful prints of the period, and his delicate engravings epitomize the style and sentiment of the age. Ward was primarily a mezzotint engraver but he also worked in stipple, executing hauntingly delicate prints that capture the soul and character of their subject. He studied under John Raphael Smith and quickly became one of his most distinguished pupils, incorporating his master’s delicate technique into his own distinctive style. Along with his brother James, William was a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy and soon earned the privilege of becoming mezzotint engraver to the prince regent. This delicate image recalls the style of Ward’s master John Raphael Smith, who made a name for himself with his subtly suggestive portraits of women. Ward’s pretty portrait depicts the tragic heroine “Lucy of Leinster” from Thomas Tickell’s ballad “Lucy and Colin.” In Tickell’s sad work, Colin abandoned Lucy for a wealthier bride. Lucy died on her lover’s wedding day and, pursuant to her request, was brought to the church. Upon seeing his true love’s body, Colin succumbed to death as well, and the lovers were buried in the same tomb.”