Johannes Smith (John Smith)

Date1716

Engraver John Smith ca. 1652 - ca. 1742

After work by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint with line engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 14 × 11in. (35.6 × 27.9cm)
Other (Plate): 13 1/2 × 10 3/16in. (34.3 × 25.9cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1971-3321

DescriptionLower margin: "Johannes Smith/ G. Kneller Eques pinx 1696/ J Smith fec 1716"Label TextIn the late 1700s, mutual relationships formed between painters and engravers. A quality engraving helped promote the original painter's career as well as the engraver's. The engraver John Smith (ca. 1652-ca. 1742) was an expert in mezzotint engraving, a technique used to create prints with velvety tones. It was considered the best medium for reproducing paintings. Smith benefited from his collaboration with painter Sir Godfrey Kneller, Principal Painter to the King and one of the most famous artists working in England for three decades. Half of the 280 mezzotints engraved by Smith were after works by Kneller. He wears a cap with fur edges, collar fastened and a loose gown. He holds a half-rolled print of a self-portrait of Kneller (engraved by Smith) in his hand.ProvenanceBefore 1971, The Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1971-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).