Artwork
John Hollins
John Hollins is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1804 print by Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: John Hollins.
About this work
Overview
This 1804 print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin portrays John Hollins in formal attire within a circular vignette, executed in monochromatic mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted on brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, John Hollins, is depicted in conventional formal wear of the time, including a high-collared white shirt and dark, tailored coat with a visible lapel, conveying a sense of professionalism or social status.
Technique & Style
The artist utilized mezzotint for tonal depth and engraving for detail, capturing intricate folds in clothing and facial expression with precision, characteristic of Saint-Mémin's portrait style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1804, the work's provenance is not detailed here, but its mounting on brown wove paper suggests a common practice of the era for preserving and presenting prints.
Context
This portrait reflects the early 19th-century tradition of formal, circular-vignette portraits, with Saint-Mémin's attention to detail distinguishing it within this common genre.
Legacy
As part of Saint-Mémin's oeuvre, this work contributes to the artist's reputation for meticulous, expressive portraits, though its individual impact is not specifically highlighted in available information.
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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.
