Lot 70: Nathaniel Marchant R.A. (British, 1739-1816)

Three scenes: two depicting battle scenes; and a Classical scene of a Gentleman and Lady in conversation
watercolour and ink on vellum, framed together in a single ormolu frame
Octagonal, 25mm. (1ins.) high (3)

Marchant, a contemporary of James Tassie, was an English gem-engraver and medallist. He won prizes from the London Society of Arts for his intaglios, many of which he copied from ancient reliefs and sculptures. He was considered one of the foremost gem engravers of his time known for the brilliant modelling of his subjects. The present sketches were presumably designs for such gems. His designs were often engraved by artists such as Luigi Schiavonetti and Francesco Bartolozzi. The medallist Thomas Wyon junior was his pupil. He was elected and associate of the Royal Academy, 10 November 1791 and a full member, 10 February 1809.