John Hamilton Mortimer

British, 1740 - 1779

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This is a drawing of mythical sea creatures in conflict. The image depicts multiple fantastical creatures with human-like torsos and fish-like tails rising from the waves, engaged in a struggle. On the left, a figure with a goat-like head and horns appears to be battling using a serpentine weapon. To the right, another character holds a sea monster with force. The detailed linework highlights dramatic faces and forms of the creatures, creating a sense of movement and turmoil. The background hints at a turbulent sea setting, emphasizing the chaotic energy of the scene.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Revengeful Monsters, 1780, etching on wove paper, Gift of Thomas Vogler in memory of his brother Donald J. Vogler, 2017.53.75

Revengeful Monsters

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1780 · etching on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2017.53.75

This is a drawing of fantastical creatures sleeping by the water. The drawing depicts a cluster of monstrous beings resting at the edge of a body of water. The creatures have a hybrid appearance with features resembling both humans and animals, including horns and scales. The detailed line work captures the texture of their skin and the ripples in the water. The surrounding landscape includes water, grass, and skeletal remains on the ground.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Sleeping Monsters, 1780, etching on pale blue-green paper, Gift of Thomas Vogler in memory of his brother Donald J. Vogler, 2017.53.74

Sleeping Monsters

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1780 · etching on pale blue-green paper ·  Accession ID  2017.53.74

The image depicts two figures. One figure is reclining on a rocky surface, while the other is partially submerged in water. The reclining figure has flowing hair and is wearing a long, flowing garment with billowing sleeves. The other figure in the water also has long hair. There are no visible jewelry or objects being held by either figure. The background shows a rocky environment with swirling lines indicating movement. The artwork is rendered in a monochrome, illustrative style.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Elegy, 1778, etching, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1978.51.8

Elegy

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1978.51.8

This is a drawing of a mythical sea creature. It has a humanoid face with exaggerated features and hair merging into fish-like scales and fins. The creature has a sinuous body and appears to be rising from the water. Its expression is fierce. The background features clouds and a hint of the sea, drawn in soft ink.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Enrag'd Monster, 1778, etching, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1978.51.5

Enrag'd Monster

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1978.51.5

This is an illustration of a monster. The image depicts a fantastical creature emerging from or residing in the water. The monster has a large, muscular build, with a humanoid upper body and a fish-like lower body. Its face shows a fierce expression, with elongated ears and wild hair. The creature appears to be grappling with a snake or eel-like entity. The water is depicted with dynamic lines. The background includes clouds, creating a dramatic backdrop. The style is intricate, with rich detail and dramatic contrasts.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Enrag'd Monster, 1778, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1974.53.22

Enrag'd Monster

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1974.53.22

The image shows a bearded man walking with a stick. His facial features are hidden by the beard, and his head is down. He has long curly hair, is wearing flowing garments, and his feet are visible. In the background, there is a canvas with a male figure and a female head, along with art tools. Surrounding him are rocks, vegetation, and a tree.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Gerard Lairesse, 1778, etching, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1978.51.15

Gerard Lairesse

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1978.51.15

This is a drawing of fantastical creatures in turmoil. The composition shows two monstrous figures engaged in a dynamic struggle or embrace. The figures are depicted with exaggerated facial features and muscular forms. The drawing uses detailed line work to create texture and depth, especially in the hair and water. A third monstrous head appears in the water in the foreground. The background includes swirling clouds and a partial view of landscape elements. At the bottom, the text "JEALOUS MONSTER" is featured.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Jealous Monster, 1778, etching, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1978.51.3

Jealous Monster

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1978.51.3

This is a drawing of two mythical creatures entangled together. The scene shows a figure resembling a satyr or faun intertwined with another figure with serpentine elements, like a snake around them. The background includes clouds and foliage. The composition is expressive and dynamic, emphasizing movement in the forms and surrounding elements. The caption below reads "Successful Monster." The style is akin to 18th-century etchings, with a focus on line work and detailed textures.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Successful Monster, 1778, etching on pale blue-green paper, Gift of Thomas Vogler in memory of his brother Donald J. Vogler, 2017.53.65

Successful Monster

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching on pale blue-green paper ·  Accession ID  2017.53.65

The image shows a seated person leaning against a tree, with one leg bent and the other stretched out. The person's hand is under their chin in a thoughtful pose. They have a beard and are wearing a turban. The individual is dressed in loose-fitting clothing with rolled-up sleeves and appears to be barefoot. The background features foliage with branches and leaves, creating a natural setting. The sky is visible with clouds, contributing to the outdoor atmosphere.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Reposo, 1778, etching, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1978.51.10

Reposo

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1978.51.10

This is a drawing of a dedication scene. It shows two figures seated outdoors, gesturing towards a large, inscribed panel. The figures wear elaborate clothing, with one in a feathered hat. The inscription on the panel dedicates to Sir Joshua Reynolds from J. H. Mortimer in 1778. The surrounding scenery includes tree trunks, foliage, and detailed textures and shading. The style is intricate and precise, resembling an 18th-century etching or engraving.
John Hamilton Mortimer, Title Page, 1778, etching, Andrew W. Mellon Fund, 1978.51.1

Title Page

John Hamilton Mortimer · 1778 · etching ·  Accession ID  1978.51.1