Margaret Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury

Art Historical Context

This 1811 etching and engraving portrays Margaret Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, a noblewoman whose image was reproduced long after her lifetime. Created by engraver James Basire the elder and published by White Cochrane, and Co., the small print—measuring just over five by four inches—belongs to the second state of two, reflecting the careful refinement typical of early nineteenth-century reproductive prints. Such works often appeared in historical biographies or collections of notable figures, allowing wider audiences to connect with Britain’s aristocratic past. The medium of etching combined with engraving was prized for its ability to capture fine details in clothing, jewelry, and facial expression while remaining suitable for book illustration. This technique helped preserve and circulate portraits that might otherwise have remained in private collections, bridging the gap between original paintings and public appreciation. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, the sheet entered the collection in 2016 as a generous gift. It offers visitors a glimpse into how early nineteenth-century publishers used printmaking to keep historical women’s stories visible and accessible.

About the Artist

Margaret Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury|James Basire, the elder|White, Cochrane, and Co. (British|British|British) · 1404 |1730 |1807 –1467 |1802 |1826

British, 1404–1467|British, London 1730–1802 London|British, active ca. 1807–26