Buckhorse (John Smith)
- Artist: Thomas Bowen
- Date: circa 1769-1786
- Medium: etching
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Buckhorse (John Smith)
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is “Buckhorse (John Smith)”, an etching by Thomas Bowen dating from about 1769‑1786. You’ll see a single figure, the pugilist known as Buckhorse, rendered in crisp linework typical of early‑seventeenth‑century prints. His head bears a hat or head‑attire that frames his profile, and his posture suggests walking forward, a gesture captured by Bowen’s careful engraving lines. The medium is pure etching, so the image relies on tone variations rather than color. Thomas Bowen published this print, and it has been part of a long‑term loan to the National Portrait Gallery.
See it in person
Buckhorse (John Smith) 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.
