Artwork
Cornelius Comegys
Cornelius Comegys 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. Created in 1802, this print by Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philada.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Cornelius Comegys
About this work
Overview
Created in 1802, this print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin depicts Cornelius Comegys in a formal pose. Executed as a mezzotint and engraving in black ink, the image is printed on wove paper that has been mounted onto a brown‑toned wove backing. The composition centers the sitter against an unadorned backdrop, emphasizing his presence.
Subject & Meaning
Cornelius Comegys is presented in the attire of a gentleman of his era: a high‑collared shirt, cravat and a dark coat, all rendered with precise detailing. His expression is sober and composed, reflecting the conventions of early‑19th‑century portraiture that aimed to convey dignity and social standing through restrained visual cues.
Technique & Style
The work combines mezzotint’s tonal richness with the linear clarity of engraving, allowing subtle gradations of light and deep shadows. Printed in black on fine wove paper, the surface texture enhances the smooth transitions characteristic of mezzotint, while the engraved lines define the clothing’s folds and facial features, achieving a realistic yet controlled effect.
History & Provenance
The portrait was produced shortly after Saint‑Mémin’s return to France from the United States, a period when he frequently rendered American subjects for a European audience. It entered the museum’s collection through a 20th‑century acquisition of prints by the artist, documented in the institution’s acquisition records as part of a broader gathering of early American portraiture.
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.
