John Smith
(1652-1743), EngraverSitter in 4 portraits
Artist associated with 1181 portraits
A pioneer of the mezzotint process. Born in Northampton, he moved to London to become a printer's apprentice. He turned his attention to mezzotint engraving and became the pupil of Jan Van der Vaart. In the first nine years of his career Smith worked for five publishers: Richard Palmer, Edward Cooper, Alexander Browne, Pierce Tempest and Isaac Beckett. He began publishing for himself in 1687, and from 1692 worked only for himself. When Beckett died in 1688, Smith inherited his position as chief engraver to Godfrey Kneller. He engraved over a hundred plates after Kneller's portraits, giving him access to prominent members of society; who became customers.
published by John Smith, after Marcellus Laroon
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11736
published by John Smith, after Dirck Barendsz
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11744
published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11745
published by John Smith, after Simon Vouet
mezzotint, 1680-1690
NPG D11749
Woman playing a pipe in a tavern
published by John Smith, after David Teniers Jr
mezzotint, circa 1680-1700
NPG D11752
published by John Smith, after Francesco Albani
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11759
published by John Smith, after Egbert van Heemskerck the Elder
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11761
published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11763
Virgin and Child with angels playing instruments
published by John Smith, after Sir Anthony van Dyck
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11764
Christ as a Child lying with a cross, crown of thorns and nails
published by John Smith, after Nicolas Pierre Loir (Loyr)
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11765
Vanitas (still-life with skull)
by Robert Robinson, published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11770
by Robert Robinson, published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11794
by Isaac Beckett, published by John Smith, after John Riley
mezzotint, (circa 1680-1685)
NPG D11588
Still Life with Tankard, Wine Flask and Fruit
by Robert Robinson, published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11815
by Robert Robinson, published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11816
possibly published by John Smith, after Jan Verkolje
mezzotint, 1680
NPG D11836
by Robert Robinson, published by John Smith
mezzotint, 1680-1700
NPG D11842
Queen Anne when Princess of Denmark
by Robert Williams, published by John Smith
mezzotint, circa 1680-1704
NPG D11967
by Robert Williams, published by John Smith, after Michael Dahl
mezzotint, circa 1680-1704 (circa 1689-1695)
NPG D11680
by Robert Williams, published by John Smith, after Thomas Murray
mezzotint, circa 1680-1704
NPG D11703
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