Sir Godfrey Kneller

John Smith the Engraver

1696

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Not on display
Artist
Sir Godfrey Kneller 1646–1723
Medium
Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions
Support: 758 x 630 mm
Collection
Tate
Acquisition
Presented by William Smith 1856
Reference
N00273

Display caption

Smith, a leading London engraver, is shown holding the mezzotint that he had made from Kneller's self-portrait of 1694. In his career, Smith produced some 280 mezzotint portrait prints, of which about 140 were after works by Kneller. Thus Kneller, the foremost fashionable portraitist, brought business to Smith, whose prints in turn gave him publicity. This portrait, which reflects their close cooperation, was painted as a gift for Smith, who is depicted in the informal attire and fur-lined cap of a gentleman at leisure.

Gallery label, August 2004

Later Stuart Netherlands-trained, working in Britain

Features

Sir Godfrey Kneller, ‘John Smith the Engraver’ 1696
Essay

John Smith the Engraver 1696: By Godfrey Kneller

Read technical information about this painting resulting from examination and scientific analysis by conservators and conservation scientists at Tate

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