A rare plumbago drawing of James, Prince of Wales (1688-1766) known as 'The Old Pretender', after Largilliere

Signed H Burgh and dated 1742, plumbago on vellum, in the original turned pearwood frame This is an enchanting and well executed plumbago by H Burgh. In A Biographical Dictionary: Containing an Historical Account of All the Engravers, from the Earliest Period of the Art of Engraving to the Present Time; and a Short List of Their Most Esteemed Works. ... With Several Curious Specimens of the Performances of the Most Ancient Artists, By Joseph Strutt, p. 161. he states that Burgh 's work is slight and indifferent - this charming plumbago would disprove this statement. The drawing is accomplished, particularly in the facial features. This image is after the engraving by Gérard Edelinck of the portrait painted at Saint-Germain-en-Laye by Largillière in 1692. Prince James Francis Edward was born 10 June 1688, at St. James 's Palace. He was the son of King James II of England and Ireland and second wife, Mary of Modena and as such was automatically Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, among other titles.