Artwork
Sophia Western, Fieldings Tom Jones
Sophia Western, Fieldings Tom Jones is an ink print by the Romanticist artist John Raphael Smith. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1784 mezzotint on laid paper, titled 'Sophia Western, Fieldings Tom Jones', is a print by John Raphael Smith depicting a character from Henry Fielding's novel 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling'.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Sophia Western, a figure from Fielding's novel, wearing a large hat and a dress with a ruffled neckline. She is shown with her arms crossed, gazing directly at the viewer, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
The mezzotint features soft, gentle lines on Sophia's face and a subtle smile. Chiaroscuro is used to create depth, with a dark background highlighting her features and drawing the viewer's eye to her face.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Raphael Smith (25 May 1751 – 2 March 1812) was a British painter and mezzotinter. He was the son of the landscape painter Thomas Smith and the father of John Rubens Smith, a painter who emigrated to the United States.
