Second state with motto on arms.

- A Fruit Piece. Mezzotint. 1778/81. On the plinth: Jan Van Huysum fecit 1723. Below: J. Van Huysum pinxt. Richd Earlom sculpst 1781. John Boydell Excudit 1781. Published Sept. 1st 1781 by John Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London. Le Blanc 56. Wessely 145. Wm. Dovecote and "T DUPUY FIN / AUVERGNE 174". 49,5:39,5 cm.

Second state with the arms and with the motto on the arms.

The paintings of the "Flower Piece" and the "Fruit Piece" by Jan van Huysum had been in the collection of Horace Walpole, Earl of Oxford at Houghton Hall, Norfolk. A substantial portion of the collection, including these works, was acquired by Catherine II of Russia for the Hermitage in 1779. In 1787-88 Joseph Boydell published the "Houghton Gallery", a large series of mezzotints after paintings in the gallery.

Richard Earlom engraved plates for a number of series including ClaudeÕs "Liber Veritatis", Thornton's "Temple of Flora" and the "Houghton Gallery", as well as numerous single plates for a variety of publishers. A marvellous pair in rare early states and in superb copies.