Los Romanos en Tarquena is a powerful photogravure by David Smith-Harrison, depicting a frieze of ancient Roman male figures rendered in striking sculptural detail. Presented as a triptych, the composition isolates three adjacent sections of the relief, allowing the viewer to study the nuanced textures, weathered surfaces, and expressive poses carved in stone. Smith-Harrison’s mastery of the photogravure process brings a rich tonal depth to the work, giving the classical forms a sense of immediacy and physical presence.
The artist’s interest in antiquity, archaeology, and the visual language of history is evident throughout the piece. By reinterpreting a Roman relief through contemporary printmaking, Smith-Harrison creates a dialogue between past and present—honoring the original sculpture while highlighting its enduring beauty and human resonance.
A compelling and technically refined print for collectors of photogravure, classical subject matter, and contemporary works inspired by antiquity.
David Smith-Harrison studied at Utah State University and served as studio assistant to Adrian Van Stuchelen and Moishe Smith. In 1983 he traveled in Europe and studied at the Art and Design Faculty of South Glamorgan Institute in Cardiff, Wales. Before leaving for Europe, Smith-Harrison began an intense professional association as a studio assistant to artist Trevor Southey.
Smith-Harrison’s imagery is distinctive for its meticulous and studied execution and rigorous, demanding craftsmanship. The results are generally rich in subtle articulations and poetic spirit. His work is located in private collection in Japan, Taiwan, Republic of China, Spain and the United States.
COLLECTIONS:
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for the Graphic Arts, SF, CA
Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, CA
Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT
Tama Art University Museum, Tokyo, Japan
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Brigham Young University
Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Cadence Corporation, San Jose, CA
Cooper and Lybrand, St. Louis. MO
George Lucas, Lucasfilms Ltd., San Raphel, CA
Michael Richards, LA, CA
Merrill Lynch, Cupertino, CA
American Express Assurance Co., San Raphel, CA
Warner Brothers, LA, CA
Time Warner, New York, NY
Nordstrom, Seattle, WA
Katherine Lynch, Salt Lake City, UT
Other private and public collections in Japan, China, Spain, and the United States.