Artwork
George Washington
George Washington is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This mezzotint and engraving print, created circa 1800 by Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Washington.
About this work
Overview
This mezzotint and engraving print, created circa 1800 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, portrays George Washington within an oval frame against a dark brown background, with his name inscribed below in elegant script.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, George Washington, is depicted wearing a suit and adorned with a laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and achievement, conveying his esteemed status.
Technique & Style
The print combines mezzotint for smooth, detailed textures and expressive light-and-shadow contrasts with traditional engraving, where lines were meticulously cut into metal, resulting in a sturdy yet thin paper artwork.
History & Provenance
While specific ownership histories are not detailed here, the work's creation around 1800 places it within the early commemorative depictions of Washington, reflecting the immediate posthumous or late-life veneration of the first U.S. President.
Context
Saint-Mémin's technique and style can be fully appreciated by comparing this work with his other portraits, highlighting his mastery of mezzotint and engraving in capturing likenesses and symbolic elements.
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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.
