John Raphael Smith

John Raphael Smith, a master mezzotinter, was renowned for reproducing Sir Joshua Reynolds's portraits and capturing Georgian society.

ABOUT

Born in Derby, England, in 1751, John Raphael Smith was named after the High Renaissance master Raphael, a nod to the artistic path he would eventually forge. Though he initially apprenticed as a linen-draper, his true calling lay in printmaking. After moving to London in 1767, he quickly established himself, first with miniatures, then turning to engraving. His mezzotint of Pascal Poali, after Henry Benbridge, marked a significant launch to his career, followed by popular w…

Read John's full story in Art Whisper

NOTABLE WORKS

Lt. Col. Tarleton 1782 · Cleveland Museum of Art George, Prince of Wales 1792 · Cleveland Museum of Art James Heath 1796 · Cleveland Museum of Art George Wallis, The Late Celebrated Antiquary and Gunsmith of Hull 1804 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Mr Towneley 1750 · Towneley Hall Art Gallery And Museum Edward Jenner on a tree 1750

See all of John's works in Art Whisper

INFLUENCES

Influenced by

Henry BenbridgePortraiture Joseph Wright of DerbyEnlightenment painting Sir Joshua ReynoldsGrand Style portraiture Benjamin WestNeoclassicism

Influenced

William BlakeRomanticism J. M. W. TurnerRomanticism William WardMezzotint engraving James WardAnimal painting, engraving