Artwork
Alexander Forsyth
Alexander Forsyth is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philadela.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Alex. Forsyth.
About this work
Overview
This print is a portrait of Alexander Forsyth, created using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper. The artwork presents Forsyth in profile, focusing on his upper body and head.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Forsyth wearing a dark, high-collared coat and a light-colored cravat, with curly hair styled upwards. The detailed rendering of his features and attire suggests a formal representation.
Technique & Style
The print combines mezzotint and engraving in black on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper. The technique used achieves a high level of detail and realism, evident in the folds of Forsyth's collar and the texture of his hair.
History & Provenance
The original portrait was created by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1802. This print is derived from that original work.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin (French pronunciation: ; 1770–1852) was a French portrait painter and museum director.
