Artwork

George Henry Smillie (1840-1921)

George Henry Smillie (1840-1921), by Napoleon Sarony, 1890
George Henry Smillie (1840-1921), by Napoleon Sarony, 1890

George Henry Smillie (1840-1921) is a print by the Impressionist artist Napoleon Sarony. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

He is standing in front of a textured wall, with his left hand in his pocket and his right hand holding a hat and gloves.

The image shows a black-and-white portrait of a man with a long mustache and beard, dressed in a dark suit and coat. He is standing in front of a textured wall, with his left hand in his pocket and his right hand holding a hat and gloves.

The man's attire and the style of the portrait suggest a formal setting, possibly from the late 19th century. The use of photogravure as the medium adds a sense of depth and detail to the image.

This portrait is reminiscent of the work of artists associated with the Impressionism movement.

Overview

This photogravure print, created around 1890 by Napoleon Sarony, is a portrait of George Henry Smillie.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Smillie, dressed formally in a dark suit and coat, with a long mustache and beard, conveying a sense of professionalism and respectability.

Technique & Style

The photogravure medium lends the image a high level of detail and depth, characteristic of late 19th-century portraiture, and its style is evocative of Impressionist influences.

History & Provenance

The print is a reproduction of a photograph taken by Napoleon Sarony, a notable photographer of the time.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.