Artwork
Morris
Morris 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.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philada.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Dr. Thos. Cooper.
About this work
Overview
The print 'Morris' is a work by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, created between 1798 and 1803. It is a small-scale portrait measuring 5.56 × 5.56 cm, executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a man's face in three-quarter view, wearing a coat with tight curls and a high collar. The subject's features are rendered with notable attention to detail, particularly in the treatment of light and shadow around the eyes and on the ruffled shirt.
Technique & Style
The artwork combines mezzotint and engraving techniques. Mezzotint allows for rich, dark tones, while engraving provides sharp, fine details. This blend of techniques creates a nuanced and lifelike representation of the subject.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the Saint-Mémin Collection of Portraits, a compilation of portraits of early U.S. leaders created by the artist.
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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.
