Arthur Pond was an English portrait painter, printmaker, and art dealer who was active in the first half of the 18th century. Born in 1701, Pond's early life details are not well-documented, but it is known that he was working in London by the 1720s. He became particularly known for his work as a printmaker and engraver, producing reproductions of classical and contemporary works. Pond was also heavily involved in the art community of his time, being a member of the Rose and Crown Club, a society of artists and art connoisseurs.
Pond’s portraiture was influenced by the style of Thomas Hudson and Jonathan Richardson, reflecting the grand manner of portrait painting that was fashionable in England during his lifetime. His paintings often depicted sitters in classical attire or settings, imbuing them with a sense of timeless elegance. As a dealer, Pond played a significant role in the art market, importing paintings and prints from the continent and promoting the works of Italian masters to an English audience.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Pond was an avid collector and scholar of prints. He collaborated with his contemporary George Knapton on a series of etchings and engravings titled 'Imitations of Original Drawings by Hans Holbein,' which contributed to the revival of interest in Holbein’s work in England. Pond also published a translation of the 'Lives of the Painters' by the 16th-century biographer Carlo Ridolfi, further indicating his interest in art historical scholarship.
Despite his contributions to the arts, Pond never achieved the prominence of some of his contemporaries, and his work was sometimes criticized for lacking originality. Nevertheless, his efforts as a printmaker and dealer had a lasting impact on the dissemination of artistic styles and knowledge in England. Arthur Pond died in 1758, leaving behind a legacy as a multifaceted figure in the British art scene of the 18th century.
