Who painted The Tinker (Le retameur)?

The Tinker (Le retameur) was painted by Felix Régamey in 1876.

Where can I see The Tinker (Le retameur)?

The Tinker (Le retameur) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Tinker (Le retameur)?

The Tinker (Le retameur) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Tinker (Le retameur)?

Museum-quality prints of The Tinker (Le retameur) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Tinker (Le retameur)

Felix Régamey , 1876

The Tinker (Le retameur) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Felix Régamey. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1876, The Tinker (Le retameur) is a brown‑toned etching by French artist Félix Régamey. Executed as a cancellation proof, the work presents a solitary figure engaged in metalwork, rendered in fine, pen‑like lines that emphasize texture over colour.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a hunched laborer bent over a pot, manipulating a tool with focused hands. A small cup and a larger vessel lie nearby, suggesting a workshop setting. The surrounding wavy strokes evoke steam or water, while faint botanical sketches in the corners hint at a modest, perhaps rural, environment.

Technique & Style

Régamey employed the etching process, working on a copper plate and using acid to incise the image. The brown cancellation proof highlights the artist’s attention to line work, allowing the texture of the figure’s clothing and the movement of his hands to emerge with a pen‑like clarity. The limited palette reinforces the drawing quality of the print.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from Régamey’s late nineteenth‑century output, a period when he explored everyday subjects through printmaking. As a cancellation proof, it likely served as a test print before the final edition, offering insight into the artist’s preparatory stages.

Context

During the 1870s, French printmakers often turned to scenes of manual labor to reflect social realities. Régamey’s focus on a tinker aligns with this trend, presenting a dignified portrayal of a craftsman amidst the industrial changes of the era.