Jack Power
- Artist: George Smeeton
- Date: 1813
- Medium: hand-coloured etching
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Jack Power
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
In this hand‑coloured etching by printer George Smeeton, published on 1 May 1813, we see Jack Power—born in 1790 and a prize‑fighter active until 1812—captured mid‑fight. Notice the sharp lines that trace his stance and the subtle colour washes that bring out the sweat on his brow. Smeeton’s technique gives a lively depth to the image, while the engraving itself shows the meticulous printing process of early nineteenth‑century Britain.
See it in person
Jack Power 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.
