1845
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
James Nasmyth (1808-1890) is a 1845 by David Octavius Hill, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This painting shows James Nasmyth, an engineer, holding a compass. He looks serious and focused. The artist often shot outdoor photos, which is interesting because it was a new technique back then. The engineer's work on the steam hammer was important. He was a key figure in his field. You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: David Octavius Hill (British, 1802–1870).
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…
Read the full account in the museum source.
David Octavius Hill (20 May 1802 – 17 May 1870) was a Scottish painter, photographer and arts activist.
See the richer artist page
