Artwork
S. A. Law
S. A. Law 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. S.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philada.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: S. A. Lauw. / Law.
About this work
Overview
S. A. Law is a small print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1800, combining mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper.
Technique & Style
The print features a mezzotint technique, which involves roughening a metal plate to create tiny pits that hold ink, producing deep, dark areas. This method was popular for portraiture in the 18th century, and Saint-Mémin utilized it to achieve a velvety background that contrasts with the subject's illuminated profile.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a man's face in profile, characterized by soft shadows and crisp lines. The use of mezzotint creates a striking contrast between light and dark, drawing attention to the subject's features.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the Corcoran Collection, and its creator, Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, was a French artist known for his work in painting, printmaking, and engraving.
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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.
