Artwork

James Breckinridge

James Breckinridge, by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1808
James Breckinridge, by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1808

James Breckinridge 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.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: S.M.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: James Breekendidge.

About this work

Overview

This 1808 portrait print depicts James Breckinridge. It is a small work, measuring 5.72 × 5.56 cm, created using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows Breckinridge dressed in formal attire, with a dark coat, white shirt, and ruffled cravat, set against a plain dark background. The fine details in his face and clothing suggest a formal representation.

Technique & Style

The print was made using mezzotint and engraving, techniques that involve manipulating a metal plate to produce the desired image. The precision achieved in the portrait is characteristic of these methods.

History & Provenance

The portrait was created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1808. Examples of similar works using engraving can be found at institutions such as the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Skelton Jones
Skelton Jones, Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted James Breckinridge?

James Breckinridge was painted by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1808.

Where can I see James Breckinridge?

James Breckinridge is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is James Breckinridge?

James Breckinridge is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of James Breckinridge?

Museum-quality prints of James Breckinridge are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.