Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. James Nasmyth died in 1890; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1960.
In context
Solar Spot — James Nasmyth
The original measures 90 × 64 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 82 at death.
Painted when the artist was 56. The artist lived to 82. 3 of the 9 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of James Nasmyth (1808–1890) ▲ this work, 1864 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1860 Main working years: 1860–1884 Late works: from 1884
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/james-nasmyth-solar-spot-AQSE2S-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #c4c5c3
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 99.9% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 13 works by this artist, of which 7 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 7 of them, with 11.1% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Born: August 19, 1808, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Died: May 7, 1890
Parents: Alexander Nasmyth (painter) and Barbara Foulis
Early exposure to mechanics through his father’s workshop.
Attended the Royal High School in Edinburgh.
Studied at the Edinburgh School of Arts (later Heriot-Watt University), demonstrating early mechanical aptitude.
Constructed a working model of a high-pressure steam engine at age 17, showcasing his skills.
Apprenticed to Henry Maudslay in London, gaining experience in machine manufacturing.
Established his own machine shop in Manchester in 1834.
Founded Nasmyth, Gaskell and Company (Bridgewater Foundry) in 1836, specializing in machine tools and steam engines.
Major Invention: The Steam Hammer – revolutionized iron forging by significantly reducing processing time and improving quality. Patented in 1842.
Manufactured over 100 steam locomotives and various other machines like pumps and hydraulic presses.
Developed pile drivers for marine construction projects.
Retired at age 48 to Penshurst, Kent in 1856.
Dedicated himself to hobbies including astronomy, photography, and painting.
Authored "The Moon: Considered as a Planet, a World, and a Satellite" (1874), demonstrating his interest in astronomical observation.
Created detailed drawings and illustrations of machinery throughout his career, showcasing artistic talent alongside engineering skills.
Influence: Henry Maudslay – Nasmyth’s apprenticeship under Maudslay provided crucial experience in precision machining.
Impact: The steam hammer significantly advanced the Industrial Revolution, enabling larger-scale metalworking operations.
Contribution to Engineering: Emphasized efficiency and control in machinery design.
Legacy: Recognized as a key figure in British engineering and innovation during the Victorian era.
Nasmyth held strong views on labor, opposing organized labor movements.
He believed in individual effort and responsibility rather than collective bargaining.
His philosophical stance reflected a broader perspective prevalent among industrialists of his time.
These beliefs shaped his approach to managing his workforce and contributed to his overall legacy.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/james-nasmyth-solar-spot-AQSE2S-en/
Look closely
Solar Spot — James Nasmyth
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The author of "Solar Spot" is James Nasmyth, and the work is dated 1864.
The recorded dimensions of "Solar Spot" by James Nasmyth are 90 x 64 cm. Reproductions can be ordered in other sizes while keeping the same proportions.
The colors of "Solar Spot" by James Nasmyth show a discordant palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.