Hearth-Stones
- Artist: John Thomas Smith
- Date: 1816
- Medium: etching
- Dimensions: 7 3/8 in. x 4 5/8 in. (187 mm x 116 mm) plate size; 14 1/8 in. x 11 5/8 in. (358 mm x 294 mm) paper size
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is an etching titled “Hearth-Stones” by John Thomas Smith, first published on April 30, 1816. Notice the careful line work that gives each stone block a solid texture; the heat glows across the central hearth. To the left you can see a small basket of bread and, to its right, a child’s hat resting beside a farm animal peeking from the side. Smith was an early‑nineteenth‑century draughtsman and antiquary, noted for his clear lines and attention to everyday detail.
See it in person
Hearth-Stones 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.
