Peter Carr
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin
1808
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin
1808
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This small print shows a man’s face in soft light. His coat looks dark against a light background. The paper is thin but carefully mounted. Mezzotint uses a rough metal plate to make rich, velvety tones. Saint-Mémin often used this tricky method for portraits that feel alive. The cross-hatching in the coat adds texture you can almost feel. Look up another engraving by Saint-Mémin, Charles B. J. Févret de.
