An Iron Forge
1773
Medium
Mezzotint with traces of engraving in black on cream laid paper
Dimensions
Image/plate: 47.8 × 59 cm (18 7/8 × 23 1/4 in.); Sheet: 51.4 × 61.9 cm (20 1/4 × 24 3/8 in.)
Classification
mezzotint
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
94078
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Joseph Wright of Derby's painting An Iron Forge was first exhibited in June 1772, and its publication as a mezzotint, executed by the master engraver Richard Earlom, followed six months later. The choice of subject reflects Wright's interest in unusual light effects and his connections to science and industry.
About the Artist
Richard Earlom · 1728–1794
Richard Earlom (1743–1822) stands as one of the supreme masters of mezzotint engraving in British art history, whose technical virtuosity and dedication to reproductive printmaking brought the works of Old Masters to unprecedented audiences. Born in London on May 14, 1743, Earlom spent his entire career transforming paintings and drawings into prints of extraordinary quality, elevating reproductiv...