Artwork
Caleb Swan
Caleb Swan is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1799 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: Caleb Swann.
About this work
Overview
Caleb Swan is a portrait print created in 1799 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. The work depicts a man with curly hair wearing a dark coat, rendered in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Caleb Swan, is portrayed in a calm, direct gaze. The small-scale portrait conveys a sense of intimacy, with detailed rendering of facial features and curly hair despite the compact format.
Technique & Style
Saint-Mémin employed mezzotint and engraving techniques to achieve nuanced tonalities in black ink on paper. The artist's skill is evident in the clear definition of the subject's features within a tiny space (5.56 × 5.56 cm).
History & Provenance
Created in 1799, the portrait's historical significance is noted, though specific ownership or exhibition histories are not provided. It is available in poster print form, indicating its accessibility beyond the original.
Context
For insight into the artistic style, comparison with other works by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin is suggested, highlighting a broader practice in miniature or small-scale portraiture.
Legacy
While the portrait's direct impact or influence is not specified, its historical significance and detailed craftsmanship contribute to its recognition within the oeuvre of Saint-Mémin.
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.
