Artwork

John Dawson

John Dawson, by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1809
John Dawson, by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1809

John Dawson is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: John Dawson.

About this work

Overview

John Dawson is a portrait print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1809, utilizing mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, subsequently mounted to brown wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts the upper body of a man, characterized by curly, well-groomed hair and a distinctive nose, though the subject's identity and context are not elaborated beyond the name 'John Dawson'.

Technique & Style

Executed in mezzotint and engraving in black, the work showcases meticulous detail, notably in the hair and facial features, despite its diminutive scale of 5.72 × 5.56 cm.

History & Provenance

Created in 1809, specific details regarding the artwork's history, ownership, or exhibition record prior to its current status are not provided.

Context

Part of Saint-Mémin's oeuvre, this piece reflects the artist's practice of portraitures, with further insight into the artist's broader contributions available through separate inquiry into Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin.

Thomas Cochran
Thomas Cochran, 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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted John Dawson?

John Dawson was painted by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1809.

Where can I see John Dawson?

John Dawson is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is John Dawson?

John Dawson is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of John Dawson?

Museum-quality prints of John Dawson are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.