J. R. Smith after Sir Joshua Reynolds

John and Henry Gawler

11 x 15 inches

Henry and John were the sons of John Gawler (senior), a successful solicitor from London, and his aristocratic wife Caroline Bellenden. John grew up to become a captain in the 2nd Life Guards whilst Henry followed in his father's footsteps and entered the law. In this delightful image, the boys are not yet in their teens and have been depicted with the family dog, an excitable spaniel.

Smith's engravings count amongst the most admired examples of mezzotint. He published after his own designs but also after other artists and engravers, including the infamously particular Joshua Reynolds. Smith had a reputation for his agreeable manners and his willingness to share his knowledge of art.