James Watson (circa 1740-1790), Engraver
Artist associated with 193 portraits
James Watson was born in Ireland. As a young man he moved to London, where he studied mezzotint engraving. He became one of the leading mezzotint engravers of the day, including fifty-six plates after the paintings of Joshua Reynolds. The majority of Watson's work was produced for Sayer, Boydell and other printsellers but he published some plates himself. Watson exhibited at the Society of Artists from 1762 to 1775, during which time he was regarded as a master in his field.
by James Watson, published by John Bowles, after Charles Spooner
mezzotint, published circa 1740-1780
NPG D14527
by James Watson, printed for Robert Sayer, after J. Williams
mezzotint, published circa 1745-1794
NPG D4741
Francis Greville, 1st Earl of Warwick and Brooke
by James Watson, after Thomas Gainsborough
mezzotint, circa 1750-1790
NPG D14974
by James Watson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, (1758-1762)
NPG D3110
by James Watson, published by John Bowles, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, (1758-1762)
NPG D14866
by James Watson, after Francis Cotes
mezzotint, 1760-1790
NPG D9158
John Manners, Marquess of Granby
by James Watson, sold by Ryland and Bryer, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, 1760s (circa 1766-1767)
NPG D34760
by James Watson, published by Henry Parker, published by Elizabeth Bakewell, after Nathaniel Hone
mezzotint, late 18th century
NPG D9492
by James Watson, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, circa 1760-1790
NPG D39287
Henrietta Catherine Cholmley (née Croft)
by James Watson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, (1760-1761)
NPG D1412
Frances Douglas (née Lascelles)
by James Watson, after Francis Cotes
mezzotint
NPG D1779
by James Watson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint
NPG D1964
Lady Charlotte Johnstone (née Montagu)
by James Watson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, (1760)
NPG D3181
by James Watson, sold by Ryland and Bryer, after Francis Cotes
mezzotint, 1760-1790
NPG D4270
by James Watson, printed for Robert Sayer, after Francis Cotes
mezzotint, 1760-1790
NPG D4271
by James Watson, after William Hoare
mezzotint
NPG D5532
Richard Grenville-Temple, 2nd Earl Temple
by James Watson, published by John Bowles, after William Hoare
mezzotint, circa 1760-1761
NPG D6939
by James Watson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, (1761-1762)
NPG D4649
by James Watson, published by Elizabeth Bakewell, published by Henry Parker, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, (1761)
NPG D8194
Augustus Henry Fitzroy, 3rd Duke of Grafton
by James Watson, after Pompeo Batoni
mezzotint, (1762)
NPG D2496
Ireland
