Discover the world of early American engraving and the artists who shaped it
This nonfiction study surveys the engraved works attributed to Brunton and his circle, focusing on how book-plates and other metal engravings were produced. It differentiates pieces intended for printing from metal plates that were not reversed for text, and it traces the inscriptions, signatures, and initials that identify Brunton’s hand. The narrative gathers biographical notes, plate histories, and the paths these images took through private collections and public libraries.
The book examines a range of pieces, from book-plates to medals and commemoratives, and it offers context for the people connected to these works. It explores portraits, heraldic devices, and the craftsman’s distinctive style, including recurring motifs and the placement of names and mottos. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding the creation, ownership, and printing history of these engravings.
What you’ll experience
- Analysis of how engravings are distinguished by how they were used on metal plates versus printed impressions
- Profiles of key plates and the stories behind notable subjects like a Washington portrait and other historical figures
- Insight into the provenance of plates and the ways family records and collections preserve this art
- Notes on the artist’s style, signatures, and the technical details that identify Brunton’s work
Ideal for readers interested in American engraving history, book-plates, and late‑18th to early‑19th century print practices.