Artwork
George Washington Biddle
George Washington Biddle is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philada.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Geo. Biddle.
About this work
Overview
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin’s small portrait of George Washington Biddle is a black mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to a brown backing. Executed in 1801, the work measures roughly 5.6 × 5.6 cm, presenting a finely detailed profile view of the sitter.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Biddle in profile, attired in a dark coat with a high, standing collar and a light‑coloured cravat. The composition emphasizes the dignified bearing of the subject, typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture that sought to convey status through attire and pose.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed mezzotint combined with engraving, a process that allows for subtle tonal gradations and precise line work. The artist’s meticulous handling of line and shade achieves a realistic rendering despite the miniature dimensions, demonstrating the high level of skill required for such intimate prints.
History & Provenance
Created in 1801, the portrait is attributed to Saint‑Mémin, a French‑born engraver active in the United States. The work’s provenance traces back to the Biddle family, though further ownership details remain limited in the record.
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.
