Artwork
James Barbour
James Barbour is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a small portrait print measuring roughly 5.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: S.M.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: James Barbour.
About this work
Overview
The work is a small portrait print measuring roughly 5.7 by 5.6 centimeters, executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown backing. Created in 1808, it depicts James Barbour and is currently held within the Corcoran Collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Subject & Meaning
James Barbour is shown in a dark, high‑collared coat, his face illuminated from one side, which emphasizes the contours of his features. The composition presents him in a straightforward, dignified manner typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture, focusing on the individual’s presence rather than narrative context.
Technique & Style
The image combines mezzotint’s characteristic velvety tonal gradations with fine engraved lines that define facial details. The mezzotint technique allows for smooth transitions between light and shadow, while the engraving adds crispness to the rendering of texture and attire. The paper’s creamy surface enhances the subtle tonal effects.
History & Provenance
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French artist active in the United States, produced the print in 1808. It later entered the Corcoran Collection, which was incorporated into the National Gallery of Art’s holdings, where it remains accessible to scholars and the public.
Context
Saint‑Mémin was known for his portrait prints of American figures during the early republic, employing mezzotint to capture the emerging nation’s elite. This portrait of Barbour fits within that broader series, reflecting both the artist’s technical skill and the period’s interest in documenting prominent individuals.
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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.
