Artwork
James Machir
James Machir is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philada.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: James Mac. Hir.
About this work
Overview
This small print is a portrait of James Machir, created by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1799. It is a mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to a brown backing sheet.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Machir in a dark coat with a high collar, his face turned slightly to one side and lit from the side to accentuate his features.
Technique & Style
The artist achieved a three-dimensional effect through fine lines used for shading, employing a technique known as cross-hatching to build up tone and create deep, realistic shadows.
History & Provenance
The print measures 5.56 × 5.56 cm and is held by the Library of Congress.
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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.
