Artwork
Eliza Hewson
Eliza Hewson is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St Memin Philada; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Miss Hewson. / Eliza
About this work
Overview
Eliza Hewson is a portrait print executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, dated to 1798.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Eliza Hewson, is depicted in profile, characterized by curly hair, a subtle smile, and distinctive facial features. Her elegant attire is also a focal point, underscoring the emphasis on grace and individuality typical of neoclassical portraiture.
Technique & Style
The artist employed mezzotint and engraving techniques to achieve a nuanced, high-contrast image. The attention to detail in rendering hair and clothing, alongside the overall composition, aligns with neoclassical stylistic priorities of clarity and refinement.
History & Provenance
Created in 1798 by Févret de Saint-Mémin, the print's provenance is not detailed here, though it is noted to be on brown wove paper, indicating a specific mounting choice.
Context
Contemporary with late 18th-century European and American artistic trends, this work reflects the broader neoclassical movement's influence on portraiture, emphasizing moral and aesthetic virtues.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of 'Eliza Hewson' are not provided, works like this are preserved and exhibited in institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, Washington, contributing to the study and appreciation of neoclassical 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.
