Artwork
Silas Betton
Silas Betton is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1805, this black-and-white print by Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Silas Betton. / Thos. Griffin
About this work
Overview
Created in 1805, this black-and-white print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin combines mezzotint and engraving on wove paper that has been mounted to a second sheet of brown wove paper. The work presents a single figure, Silas Betton, rendered in profile. It belongs to the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Subject & Meaning
Silas Betton, a prominent early‑19th‑century politician from New Hampshire, is shown in a formal, half‑length portrait. The profile pose, with the subject’s face illuminated against a dark field, conveys a sense of dignity and public stature typical of civic portraiture of the period.
Technique & Style
The artist employed the mezzotint process to achieve a rich tonal range, using fine stippling and delicate lines to blend shadows into smooth gradients. Engraving adds precise linear detail, especially around the facial features, allowing a lifelike rendering that approaches the tonal subtlety of early photography.
History & Provenance
The print was produced shortly after Betton’s political career peaked, likely commissioned to commemorate his service. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, where it remains catalogued as an example of early American portrait printmaking.
Context
During the early 1800s, mezzotint and engraving were among the few methods for reproducing realistic portraiture for a broader audience. Saint‑Mémin, a French émigré working in the United States, applied his European training to American subjects, bridging transatlantic artistic practices.
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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.
