George White (artist)

George White (c. 1684–1732) was an English mezzotint engraver.

Life

The son of Robert White, he was born about 1684, and instructed by his father. He completed some of the plates left unfinished by the latter, and himself executed a few in the line manner; but at an early period he turned to mezzotints. A portrait of Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, which he executed in this style from a painting by Godfrey Kneller, was much admired and brought him work. He died at his house in Bloomsbury on 27 May 1732.

Mezzotint of Francis Charteris, around 1730–1732.

Works

1724 mezzotint of Sir John Coke, after unknown artist.

A leading English mezzotint engraver, he was the first to make use of etched lines to strengthen the work. White's plates number about sixty, and include portraits of William Dobson, bishop George Hooper, Tycho Wing, and Old Parr. White, like his father, drew portraits in pencil on vellum; he also practised in crayons, and latterly took to painting in oils. His plate of the Laughing Boy after Frans Hals was published after his death, with laudatory verses.

References

•  "White, Robert (1645-1703)". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "White, Robert (1645-1703)". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.