Artwork
Henry White
Henry White is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: St. Memin & Valdenuit No. 27. Pine St. N. York.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Henry White
About this work
Overview
This print presents a profile portrait of Henry White, rendered in black mezzotint and engraving on wove paper. The figure faces right, his light‑colored, curly hair and formal dress are set against a uniformly dark backdrop, which isolates the likeness and draws attention to the contours of his face.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures White’s dignified bearing through careful rendering of his features and attire, suggesting a genteel status. By focusing on the side view, the artist emphasizes the subject’s facial structure and expression, offering a restrained yet personal glimpse into his character without narrative embellishment.
Technique & Style
Combining mezzotint’s tonal richness with fine engraving lines, the artist achieves subtle gradations of shadow and precise detail. The composition reflects neoclassical preferences for clarity and order, employing clean outlines and a minimal background to foreground the sitter’s profile in a disciplined, almost sculptural manner.
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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.
