James Nasmyth
Early Life and Education 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 engin…
The Lifeline
Scroll through James Nasmyth's working life — artwork by artwork, chapter by chapter — from the earliest dated work to the last. Each thumbnail is pinned at its exact year on the gold axis.
Chapters — Career Periods
The ribbon is divided into shaded bands, one per career chapter. Each chapter groups James Nasmyth's works by their historical period — early training, mature practice, final years.
Thumbnails — Dated Works
Every thumbnail is pinned at its precise creation year. A thin gold thread drops from the image to its exact point on the axis. Larger frames mark the artist's masterpieces by rank.
Colour Band — Movement Drift
The gradient bar beneath the axis shifts colour as the dominant art movement changes over time — from the warm golds of the early period through the deeper tones of maturity. It fills progressively as you scroll.