Artwork
Louisa DuPonceau
Louisa DuPonceau is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Mlle. Louisa Duponceau.
About this work
Overview
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin’s print titled “Louisa DuPonceau” is a small, square work measuring roughly 5.5 cm on each side. Executed between 1798 and 1803, it combines mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper that has been mounted onto a brown‑toned backing. The image presents a solitary figure in profile, rendered entirely in black ink.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on a young woman shown in strict side view. Her hair is cut short and falls in gentle waves, framing a delicate facial outline. The restrained pose and lack of background suggest an emphasis on individual likeness rather than narrative, typical of portraiture intended for personal or familial remembrance.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed mezzotint to achieve a rich tonal range, while the engraving adds precise linear detail. Fine, closely spaced lines model the texture of hair and skin, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. The contrast between the deep blacks of the mezzotint and the paper’s natural tone enhances the three‑dimensional effect of the profile.
History & Provenance
Created at the turn of the nineteenth century, the print reflects the artist’s activity in France during the post‑Revolutionary period. Although specific ownership records are scarce, the work’s mounting on brown wove paper indicates a later conservation effort, suggesting it has been preserved and possibly displayed in private collections before entering public awareness.
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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.
