NASMYTH, ALEXANDER (1758-1840), Scottish por trait and landscape painter, was born in Edinburgh on Sept. 9, 1758. He studied at the Trustees' Academy under Runciman, and became apprenticed as heraldic painter to a coach-builder. At the age of 16 he attracted the attention of Allan Ramsay, who took him to London, and employed him upon the subordinate portions of his works. Nasmyth returned to Edinburgh in 1778, and was soon largely patronized as a portrait painter. He also assisted Mr. Miller of Dalswinton, as draughtsman, in his mechan ical researches and experiments; and through his generosity was able to go to Italy, where he remained two years. On his return he painted the portrait of Burns, now in the Scottish National Gallery and well known through Walker's engraving. Nasmyth's pronounced Liberal opinions gave offence to many of his aristo cratic patrons, and led to the diminution of his practice as a portraitist. In his later years, accordingly, he worked mainly at
landscapes, and occasionally at scene-painting. He has been styled the "father of Scottish landscape art." His subjects are carefully finished and coloured, but are wanting in boldness and freedom.
Nasmyth was also largely employed by noblemen throughout the country in the improving and beautifying of their estates, in which his fine taste rendered him especially skilful. As an architect, he is known for his designs for the Dean Bridge, Edin burgh, and the graceful circular temple covering St. Bernard's Well. Nasmyth died in Edinburgh on April ro, 1840. His youngest son, James, was the well-known inventor of the steam-hammer. His eldest son, Patrick (1787-1831), became a clever landscapist.