John Burnet

author

John Burnet

1784–1868

A Scottish engraver, painter, and art writer, he built his reputation through finely observed prints and practical books on how pictures work. His work helped bring painting and engraving techniques to a wider public in the 19th century.

1 Audiobook

Rembrandt and His Works Comprising a Short Account of His Life; with a Critical Examination into His Principles and Practice of Design, Light, Shade, and Colour. Illustrated by Examples from the Etchings of Rembrandt.

Rembrandt and His Works Comprising a Short Account of His Life; with a Critical Examination into His Principles and Practice of Design, Light, Shade, and Colour. Illustrated by Examples from the Etchings of Rembrandt.

by John Burnet

About the author

Born in Scotland in 1784, he trained first as an engraver under Robert Scott and also studied at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh. He later moved to London, where he developed a career as both a painter and an engraver.

He became especially known for engravings after the work of other artists, including David Wilkie, and for scenes that drew on Scottish life. Alongside his studio work, he wrote about art in a clear, practical way, publishing books such as A Practical Treatise on Painting and other guides for students and admirers of painting.

Burnet died in 1868. Today he is remembered not only for his own pictures and prints, but also for the way he explained composition, color, and technique to readers who wanted to understand art more deeply.