Artwork
Mrs. William Drayton
Mrs. William Drayton 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. Mrs.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Mrs. Stoney. / Mrs. John Drayton.
About this work
Overview
Mrs. William Drayton is a portrait print created in 1809 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. The work utilizes mezzotint and engraving techniques on black wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a woman, identified as Mrs. William Drayton, characterized by her straight nose and defined lips. Her attire reflects the fashion of her time, providing a glimpse into late 18th-century or early 19th-century dress.
Technique & Style
The level of detail in the portrait underscores the artist's skill, given the challenging nature of mezzotint and engraving. These techniques, common during the period, allowed for nuanced representations despite their technical demands.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the Corcoran Collection, indicating its inclusion in a notable art repository. The date of 1809 situates its creation within Saint-Mémin's active period.
Context
For insight into similar artistic practices, the oeuvre of Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin serves as a relevant point of reference, highlighting the broader context of portrait printing in the early 19th century.
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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.
