Jack Slack
- Artist: George Smeeton
- Date: 1812
- Medium: stipple
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: John ('Jack') Slack
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In front of you is the portrait titled “Jack Slack,” a stippled illustration created in 1812 by printer and publisher George Smeeton. The image first appeared in the periodical Boxiana on September 30, 1812, making it one of Smeeton’s early prints.
The sitter is John Slack, called “Jack” Slack (c. 1721‑1768). He was a noted English boxer who fought three times for the title. His face is rendered in fine dots that give subtle skin tones and shading around his eyes, while the rough collar of his breeches adds texture to the background.
Smeeton’s stipple technique—tiny dots applied with ink—creates depth without heavy lines, making this portrait a clear example of early 19th‑century printmaking.
See it in person
Jack Slack 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.
