What is the estimated value of this 18th-century mezzotint engraving?

The estimated market value for this authentic 18th-century mezzotint engraving, 'The Prodigal,' by Richard Houston after Philip Mercier, is between $100 and $200. This valuation considers its authenticity, historical significance, and the current market for similar period prints. However, significant condition issues, including paper toning and foxing, reduce its value by an estimated 40-50% compared to a pristine example. The valuation relies on dealer asking prices rather than confirmed auction sales for this specific print.

What era/period is this 'The Prodigal' mezzotint from?

This 'The Prodigal' mezzotint engraving is from the Mid-18th Century, specifically dated to circa 1756. This places it firmly within the Georgian era in Britain, a period known for its burgeoning print trade and public appetite for moralizing genre scenes. The publisher, Robert Sayer, operated from the specified London address during this time, and both artist Philip Mercier and engraver Richard Houston were highly active. An identical example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art confirms this dating.

What condition is this 18th-century mezzotint engraving in?

The mezzotint engraving is in fair condition. It exhibits significant age-related toning, a yellowish-brown discoloration of the paper, and numerous brown foxing spots across the image and margins. The accompanying period ebonized frame is in poor condition, showing extensive losses to the paint and gilding. These combined condition issues are estimated to reduce the print's value by 40-50% compared to a well-preserved example. No restoration history is known.

Where should I sell this Richard Houston mezzotint?

For this Richard Houston mezzotint valued between $100 and $200, the most practical and recommended selling venue is a direct-to-consumer online marketplace such as eBay or Etsy. Traditional specialist auction houses typically have high minimum consignment thresholds that this item would not meet. Online platforms offer lower fees, direct access to collectors, and allow you to maximize your net proceeds by handling the listing and shipping yourself.

Who were Philip Mercier and Richard Houston?

Philip Mercier was a French-born painter who achieved considerable success in 18th-century England, particularly known for his 'fancy pictures'—charming and often sentimental genre scenes. Richard Houston was a prominent Irish mezzotint engraver active in London during the same period, renowned for translating popular paintings into prints for a wider audience. Their collaboration, as seen in 'The Prodigal,' exemplifies the commercial art world of Georgian Britain.

After Philip Mercier, Engraved by Richard Houston, 'The Prodigal,' Mezzotint Engraving, c. 1756

Estimated value: $100 - $200. After Philip Mercier, Engraved by Richard Houston, 'The Prodigal,' Mezzotint Engraving, c. 1756 (Mid-18th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This print is a wonderful window into the vibrant world of 18th-century London. It was created for a burgeoning middle-class market with an appetite for art that was both decorative and didactic. The artist, Philip Mercier, was a French-born painter who found success in England with his 'fancy pictures'—charming, often sentimental genre scenes. His work was then translated into the popular medium of mezzotint by skilled engravers like Richard Houston. The publisher, Robert Sayer, was a key figure in this commercial art world, running a successful shop on Fleet Street that sold prints and maps to a wide audience. This particular print, 'The Prodigal,' uses a familiar biblical parable to offer a timely commentary on the dangers of extravagance, a message that would have resonated with the Georgian era's focus on virtue and frugality. Owning this piece connects one directly to the tastes, morals, and artistic commerce of mid-18th-century Britain.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on the market for 18th-century British mezzotints, adjusted for the item's specific condition. While no directly comparable sales of this exact print in similar condition were found, the market context is provided by asking prices for related works, such as a similar 'Prodigal Son' mezzotint by J.J. Haid listed for approximately $83 (Comp 3). Higher-priced comparables, like a portrait print offered for over $600 (Comp 4), represent examples in far better condition or of more desirable subjects, establishing a ceiling. The subject print's significant toning, foxing, and frame damage result in a substantial value reduction of 40-50%, leading to the estimated range. At auction, a reserve of $80 is recommended. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds would be approximately $85 - $180.

Comparable sales

This charming suite consists of mezzotint engravings on laid paper, trimmed to the platemark on the bottom. The works, created by Johann Jacob Haid, one of Augsburg's leading printmakers, capture the domestic routine of the eighteenth century. They depict a young woman at four successive moments of the day: adjusting her negligee in the morning, composing her hair after dinner, slipping on gloves — sold for — (Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA)), 1770
An original antique mezzotint from 1775 by Johann Jacob Haid and his son Johann Elias Haid, titled "Rejoicing for the Return of the Prodigal Son." It is plate 6 from a series of 6 mezzotints based on Sébastien Leclerc II's "L'Histoire de l'Enfant Prodigue" (1751). The mezzotint depicts a celebratory feast for the return of the prodigal son, featuring musicians and period details. It is inscribed a — sold for £65.00 (eBay), 1775
This is a mezzotint portrait of Catherine Bunbury (née Horneck) by James Watson, after Sir Joshua Reynolds. The sitter is depicted three-quarter length, leaning her head thoughtfully against her right hand, with her elbow resting on a stone ledge or table. She wears a voluminous, high-waisted gown characteristic of late 18th-century fashion, and her hair is styled in an elaborate "pompadour" arran — sold for £480 (The Mezzotint Man), 1778

Expert notes

This is an authentic mid-18th-century mezzotint engraving by a noted artist and publisher. Its value is significantly impacted by its condition, specifically the paper toning and foxing. The valuation is based on asking prices for similar prints, as no recent auction records for this specific print were available. Before a sale, it would be prudent to have a paper conservator assess the quality of the impression, as a rich, early printing would be more valuable than a later one from a worn plate, a distinction that requires physical inspection.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your print, lithograph or engraving worth?.