Engraving of an eye
- Artist: Sarah Gillespie
- Artist: Paul Kirkup
- Date: 2022
- Medium: engraving
- Dimensions: 3 7/8 in. x 5 3/4 in. (97 mm x 147 mm) plate size; 6 1/8 in. x 8 1/8 in. (155 mm x 205 mm) paper size
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
In this engraving of an eye, you see the fine linework that captures the iris and sclera in remarkable detail. The plate measures 3 7/8 by 5 3/4 inches – about 97 mm by 147 mm – while the final print is slightly larger at 6 1/8 by 8 1/8 inches, roughly 155 mm by 205 mm. Paul Kirkup created the engraving in 2022 and Sarah Gillespie printed it for the Reference Collection of the National Portrait Gallery. The work demonstrates precise hatching and shading typical of contemporary printmaking, showing how light plays across the eye’s surface.
See it in person
Engraving of an eye 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.
