George Smith; John Smith
1 of 3 portraits by George Smith
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
George Smith; John Smith
by George Smith, and John Smith
oil on canvas, circa 1760
24 3/4 in. x 29 5/8 in. (629 mm x 752 mm)
Purchased, 1959
Primary Collection
NPG 4117
Sittersback to top
- George Smith (1713-1776), Landscape painter and poet. Sitter in 4 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits. Identify
- John Smith (1717-1764), Landscape painter. Sitter in 4 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait. Identify
Artistsback to top
- George Smith (1713-1776), Landscape painter and poet. Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits. Identify
- John Smith (1717-1764), Landscape painter. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait, Sitter in 4 portraits. Identify
Linked publicationsback to top
- Kerslake, John, Early Georgian Portraits, 1977, p. 252
- Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 52 Read entry
The brothers George and John Smith worked in partnership, often on the same canvas. They combined the study of reproductions of the works of Claude and Poussin with their own observations taken directly from nature using a camera obscura. Their double portrait, in reflective poses, is a sympathetic rendering of their working relationship.
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 570
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1760back to top
Current affairs
Death of George II on 25 October at the age of 76. George III succeeds to the throne at the age of 22.Art and science
German artist Johan Zoffany arrives in England, where he is instrumental in reviving the 'conversation piece' genre of painting.First public exhibition of paintings in England is held at the Society of Arts' Great Room in the Strand, London.
The Public Ledger is founded; the oldest British periodical with continuous daily publication.
International
Seven Years' War: At the Battle of Carrickfergus in Ireland, a force of French troops captures the town of Carrickfergus before retiring.Surrender of Montreal to the British under General Jeffrey Amherst signals the virtual loss of Canada by the French. British troops oust the Nawab of Bengal Mir Jafar and replace him with Mir Quasim.
Former Chief Tacky leads an unsuccessful slave rebellion in Jamaica, which aims to overthrow British rule.
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