John Davenport
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin
1806
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin
1806
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows John Davenport in profile, wearing a dark coat and white cravat. His sharp facial features stand out against the plain background. The artist used fine lines to create light and shadow. Mezzotint lets artists build deep blacks and soft gradations. Saint-Mémin’s lines feel almost like a drawing. This method was rare in early American prints. Try looking at more photos by the artist Saint-Mémin, Charles B. J. Févret de.
