William Humphrey (engraver)

William Humphrey (c. 1740/45 – 1810) was a prominent English engraver, active primarily in London during the latter half of the 18th century. He is best known for his mezzotints, particularly portraits after paintings by Joshua Reynolds, Angelica Kauffmann, and other leading artists of the period.

Humphrey's career began around 1760, and he quickly established himself as a skilled engraver. He worked both independently and in collaboration with other printmakers. He operated a print shop, which also served as a venue for exhibiting and selling his works and those of others. He frequently published his own prints.

His oeuvre includes a wide range of subjects, from portraits of royalty and aristocracy to theatrical figures and literary characters. He also produced decorative prints and illustrations. Humphrey's engravings are characterized by their technical proficiency, attention to detail, and skillful rendering of tonal values.

Although highly regarded during his lifetime, Humphrey's reputation declined somewhat in later years. However, his work remains valuable to art historians and collectors for its historical and artistic significance, providing important visual records of the individuals and artistic styles of the Georgian era. He also played a role in training other engravers, contributing to the development of printmaking in England.

He also engaged in dealings outside his engraving work and endured some time in debtor's prison. The complexities of his business dealings contributed to a fluctuating financial situation throughout his career.