The Blacksmith's Shop

1771

Richard Earlom after Joseph Wright

Associated Names
Richard Earlom

Artist, British, 1743 - 1822

Joseph Wright

Artist After, British, 1734 - 1797

The image shows a group of men in an activity inside a dimly-lit workshop or forge. Several individuals are standing closely around a central light source, illuminating their faces and upper bodies. The central figure is working at the forge, possibly pouring molten metal into a container, while the others are observing or assisting. Their expressions are focused, with shadows accentuating their facial features. Some of the men have long hair, a few wear hats, and their clothing comprises typical 18th-century garments such as shirts, waistcoats, and breeches. Various tools and equipment, like tongs and hammers, are visible around them. The background shows a worn interior with a thatched roof, exposed beams, and stone or brick walls. In darker areas, more figures can be seen, including a man attending to a horse, indicating the forge's role in metalwork for agriculture or transport.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 61.1 x 43400 cm (24 1/16 x 17086 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 61 x 43.9 cm (24 x 17 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.96.6

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Smith 1884, no. 47, State i/ii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Christopher Lennox-Boyd; (C. G. Boerner Limited, New York); purchased 2001 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1884

  • Smith, John Chaloner. British mezzotinto portraits, being a descriptive catalogue of these engravings from the introduction of the art to the early part of the present century. 4 vols. London: Henry Sotheran and Co., 1884.

2001

  • C. G. Boerner Ltd. Mezzotints from the Collection of Christopher Lennox-Boyd. London, 2001: no. 27.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Jos. Wright Pinxit; lower center in plate: J Boyedell Excudit Publish'd August 25, 1771; lower right in plate: Rd. Earlom fecit

Watermarks

IHS with cross and nails

Wikidata ID

Q76355880

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