The Life and Career of Matthew Keymer

Matthew Keymer was a British painter who lived during a transformative era in British history. Born in 1764, he navigated a professional landscape that required both technical skill and an understanding of the public's interest in contemporary figures. His career was most active between 1781 and 1810, a period during which he established himself through his ability to translate portraits into various forms, including mezzotints.

Working out of Yarmouth, Keymer was involved in the production and publication of prints that captured the likenesses of significant men of his time. His involvement in the printmaking process allowed his work to reach a wider audience than a single canvas ever could. He was known to use several variations of his name, including M.H. Kymer and Matthew H. Keymer, as he moved through his professional life. His output was closely tied to the visual culture of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, often working from existing portraits to create copies and engravings.

Keymer passed away in 1816, leaving behind a body of work that reflects the specific tastes and needs of the British public during his lifetime. His ability to engage with the portraiture of his era ensured that his presence was felt in the artistic circles of the United Kingdom. He remains a figure whose life and work are tied to the documentation of the people who shaped his nation.

Notable Works and Engravings

Much of the work associated with Keymer centers on the likeness of Admiral Lord Nelson. Around 1800, he produced a portrait of the Admiral, a piece that captured the likeness of the naval leader during a significant period of British history. This specific work was an oil on canvas, measuring 29 x 24 inches. His connection to this subject matter was deeply tied to the local life of Yarmouth, where his output often reflected the interests of the community and the era's fascination with naval figures.

Keymer was also active in the production and distribution of prints, working closely with the publishing landscape of the time. In December 1800, he was responsible for engraving and publishing a copy of a portrait in Yarmouth. This period saw him expanding his reach through different mediums, including the use of mezzotint. He published a mezzotint titled Admiral Lord Nelson of the Nile in December 1800, which was engraved by Jonathan Young. This specific print was released in Yarmouth and remains a notable example of his involvement in the printmaking trade.

His publishing efforts in Yarmouth during that same month included the release of Admiral Lord Nelson of the Nile. Through these engravings and published plates, Keymer helped bring the likenesses of prominent figures to a wider audience, moving beyond the singular canvas to reach those who collected prints and mezzotints. His work in Yarmouth during these years shows a man deeply embedded in the commercial and artistic life of a busy port town.