Smith, Thomas [Smythe]:

PORTRAIT LINE ENGRAVING: THE HONOURABLE SR. THOMAS SMITH KNIGHT, LATE EMBASSADOR FROM HIS MA'STIE TO YE GREAT EMPEROUR OF RUSSIA GOVERNOUR OF HE HON'BLE AND FAMOUS SOCIETYES OF MARCHA'NTS TRADINGE TO YE EAST INDIES MUSSCOVY THE FRENCH AND SOMER ILANDS COMPANY TRESURER FOR VIRGINIA ETC.[Caption encircling portrait: THOMAE SMITH EQUITIS AURATI ETC. VERA EFFIGIES PRAECLARISS. MI. VIRI DOMNI.].

[London]: W. Richardson, York House, 31 Strand, March 1797. Small broadside, 4 5/8" x 7 3/8", line engraving. This half length portrait depicts Sir Thomas Smith in a tall hat and ruff and furred cloak, holding a map; in an oval border surrounded by nautical motifs such as anchors, cargo and a small vignette of sailing vessel. Caption encircling portrait: THOMAE SMITH EQUITIS AURATI ETC. VERA EFFIGIES PRAECLARISS. MI. VIRI DOMNI. Beneath the portrait is the title caption, with a coat of arms at its center.

Sir Thomas Smith [a/k/a Smythe] [c. 1558-1625] was an English merchant, auditor and politician, the first of three Treasurers of the Virginia Company of London, the first Governor of the East India Company in 1602, and ambassador to Russia. King James I knighted him in 1603.
OCLC 434125009 [1- Folger Shakespeare Library]. Other copies located online at New York Public Library [Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Print Collection], University of Virginia [Albert Small Collection], and the National Portrait Gallery of the British Museum. Item #34480

Price: $500.00