Artwork
John Richards Triplett
John Richards Triplett 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 center mount in black ink by unknown hand: J. N. Luckett.
About this work
This painting shows a portrait of John Richards Triplett. He's dressed formally and looks straight at us. The artist made this print in 1808, and it's interesting because Triplett was quite young then, born in 1785, which makes him about 23 years old in the portrait.
To learn more about the artist who created this portrait, look up artist: Saint-Mémin, Charles B. J. Févret de.
Overview
Created in 1808, this mezzotint and engraving depicts John Richards Triplett, an American born in 1785, portrayed at approximately twenty-three years of age.
Created in 1808, this mezzotint and engraving depicts John Richards Triplett, an American born in 1785, portrayed at approximately twenty-three years of age. The work is executed in black on wove paper, which is subsequently mounted to a brown wove paper support. Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, a French artist active in the United States, produced this portrait using his distinctive profile technique, though the final print presents a frontal view where the subject gazes directly forward.
Triplett is shown in formal attire, consistent with early 19th-century portraiture conventions for young men of status. Saint-Mémin developed a unique method involving a physiognotrace to trace silhouettes, which he then translated into detailed engraved or mezzotint prints. This piece exemplifies his prolific output during his American residency, where he traveled extensively to create likenesses of prominent political and social figures.
The work serves as a historical record of Triplett's appearance during his youth and reflects the artist's commitment to capturing the likenesses of the American elite through reproducible print media rather than unique oil paintings.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Triplett at a youthful stage of his life, suggesting a moment of personal or professional emergence. His direct stare and dignified dress convey confidence and social standing, typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture intended to affirm identity and reputation.
Technique & Style
Executed as a mezzotint combined with engraving, the work employs fine black tones on wove paper that has been mounted onto a brown‑toned backing. The mezzotint technique allows for subtle gradations of shade, while the engraved lines provide definition, together creating a nuanced, textural surface.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French artist known for his portrait prints. Though originally printed on wove paper, the piece was later affixed to a brown wove sheet, a common preservation practice that enhances its visual depth and durability.
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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.
