Original 1790 "The Blackheath Golfer" Mezzotint Print

Offered here is one of the greatest golf art pieces in existence – an original 1790 mezzotint print of the most famous golf portrait in history – “The Blackheath Golfer” by Lemuel Francis Abbot.

In 1790, Blackheath golfer William Innes commissioned Abbott to paint his portrait, quickly followed by Valentine Green engraving 44 mezzotint prints that same year, presumably intended as gifts for Innes’ friends. These 44 examples are universally regarded as the first-ever golf prints.

Since those 44 original mezzotint prints were created, “The Blackheath Golfer” has been reproduced over the centuries countless time. It is widely reported to be the most-produced golf print of all-time. But what happened to that original painting by Lemuel Francis Abbott? It has long been the subject of scandalous rumor and speculation, but in truth was almost certainly destroyed in a fire in India on May 30, 1857.

And those 44 original mezzotint prints that were also made in 1790? Current scholarship suggests that approximately 12-15 have survived the past 236 years in various conditions, including the offered example.

For art lovers, this is a true “Holy Grail” piece. Describing this 236 year old print as museum-worthy seems obvious, as many of the other surviving examples do indeed reside in museums. Numerous well-documented later "The Blackheath Golfer" prints have been produced, including a B&W photographic print in 1893, a B&W photogravure in 1901, mezzotints in 1914 and again in 1926, and numerous recent prints. But nothing stands in comparison to the original mezzotint in 1790 - a mere 14 years after the founding of the United States of America. 

This 236 year old print remains in remarkable shape. This piece is without question, one of the finest examples remaining in the hobby.

Original 1790 mezzotint. 
25" x 33 1/4 (frame)
17 3/4" x 25 3/4" (interior, approximately, as mat covers portion of original mezzotint)

Shipping & Conditions of Sale: Exact shipping charges will be invoiced separately. The only payment methods accepted for this Art Sale are wires, ACH, or checks. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery, though many will arrive sooner. 

Frames: We are selling a piece of artwork, NOT the frame. Expect frames to have condition issues, as many are decades old.