The Life of John Thomas Smith
John Thomas Smith, also known as Antiquity Smith, was an English painter, engraver, and antiquarian. Born in the back of a Hackney carriage on 23 June 1766, he was the son of Nathaniel Smith, a sculptor and later a printseller. While he initially attempted to train as a sculptor under Joseph Nollekens, he eventually studied with John Keyse Sherwin and at the Royal Academy. After three years, he transitioned to living off his drawing skills, moving away from topographical drawing and acting ambitions to compile Antiquities of London and its Environs.
Artistic Contributions and Career
Smith served as the Keeper of the Prints department at the British Museum starting in September 1816. His notable works include:
- Antiquities of Westminster (1807), which featured drawings of antiquities inspired by paintings found during work on the Houses of Parliament.
- The Streets of London: Anecdotes of Their More Celebrated Residents (1815).
- Vagabondiana, or Anecdotes of Mendicant Wanderers through the Streets of London (1817).
- Nollekens and His Times (1828), a biography noted for its "malicious candour."
He also published Remarks on Rural Scenery in 1797, which contains what appears to be the earliest reference to the compositional "rule of thirds." Smith died on 8 March 1833.
Questions & Answers
Is there a 3D virtual tour of John Thomas Smith's works?
The 3D Museum of John Thomas Smith is a page that displays the artist's artworks in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.
Where are John Thomas Smith's artworks grouped by art movement?
The movements John Thomas Smith worked in can be seen on the artist's All Movements page, which groups the artworks by movement.
How do I find works by John Thomas Smith on a specific theme?
The By Keywords page of John Thomas Smith groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.
Where are John Thomas Smith's artworks organized by color?
The Spectral Index page organizes John Thomas Smith's artworks by color.
