32017b,c. (copy photo) Mezzotint “To the Merchants of Boston this View of the LightHouse is most humbly presented By their Humble Serv’ Wm. Burgis” c.1729 view.
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32017b,c. (copy photo) Mezzotint “To the Merchants of Boston this View of the LightHouse is most humbly presented By their Humble Serv’ Wm. Burgis” c.1729 view.
32017b,c. (copy photo) Mezzotint “To the Merchants of Boston this View of the LightHouse is most humbly presented By their Humble Serv’ Wm. Burgis” c.1729 view. The first Boston Light stood as a beacon in Boston Harbor for 60 years until the British blew it up in 1776. Built in 1716, it was the first lighthouse in the United States. In 1719 it was asked “That a great Gun may be placed on Said Island to answer Ships in a Fogg” and one was supplied that year on which the date 1700 was engraved. The gun is shown on this mezzotint engraving of Boston Light made by Burgess in 1729 (to the right of the base of the light tower). Called the first maritime print made in America, the original mezzotint that this photo represents, of Boston Light, is remarkable in several ways. First, as has often been said, it is the only print known bearing Burgis’ name as both artist and engraver. But in point of fact it is the only print bearing Burgis’ name as engraver. Then, too, it is a very early example of mezzotinting in America, second only to Peter Pelham’s portrait of Cotton Mather of 1727. Photo measures 8” x 10” clear close view. $18.