Artwork Page for James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

Details / Information for James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

1843–1847

David Octavius Hill

(British, 1802–1870)

and Robert Adamson

(British, 1821–1848)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
salted paper print from calotype negative
Measurements
Image: 19.7 x 14.6 cm (7 3/4 x 5 3/4 in.); Matted: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14 in.)
Credit Line
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1987.19
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Among the earliest photographers to explore both the artistic and societal possibilities of the portrait were the painter David Octavius Hill and engineer Robert Adamson, partners for just three years before Adamson’s death. Elizabeth Rigby,seen here at age 35, went on to marry Sir Charles Eastlake and, in 1857, to write one of the first histories of photography as a fine art. James Nasmyth, an engineer who developed the steam hammer, holds a compass. Hill and Adamson often shot outdoors because bright sunlight allowed shorter exposure times. They subordinated the background in shadow and bathed the important details of the face and finery in areas of light.
A vertically oriented salted paper print depicts a man with light skin tone and thick, wavy hair turned toward our right, head bowed. His right hand curls against his temple while his left holds a pointed compass against the spine of a massive book. He wears a dark, collared jacket and cravat. Saturated with warm brown tones, mottled textures create a dark background that frames his contemplative face and hands.

James Nasmyth (1808-1890)

1843–1847

David Octavius Hill, Robert Adamson

(British, 1802–1870), (British, 1821–1848)
England, 19th century

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