David Hume
- Artist: James Tassie
- Date: circa 1791
- Medium: glass paste medallion
- Dimensions: 4 in. x 3 in. (102 mm x 76 mm) oval
- Portrays: David Hume
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is “David Hume”, a glass‑paste medallion by James Tassie from about 1791. The oval shape holds the philosopher’s profile, his hair and beard in shallow relief that catches light just enough to suggest depth. Notice how the tiny details of clothing and face seem to glow through the translucent paste—an effect Tassie achieved with a special formula he invented for this medium. The medallion is about four inches wide; its size lets you read Hume’s features even from a short distance.
David Hume lived 1711‑1776, an important Scottish philosopher and close friend of Adam Smith. In the late eighteenth century low‑relief portrait medallions were prized for commemorating thinkers, and this work is a fine example of that popular style.
See it in person
David Hume is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
