Artwork
Thomas Parke
Thomas Parke is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This portrait print, created in 1802 by Charles B.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philada.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Dr. Park. / Thomas
About this work
Overview
This portrait print, created in 1802 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, depicts Thomas Parke in profile. The subject is rendered using mezzotint and engraving techniques on black wove paper, subsequently mounted to brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
Thomas Parke is portrayed with distinctive physical characteristics, including a prominent nose and short curly hair, set against the formality of a high-collared coat and cravat, conveying an air of elegance and refinement.
Technique & Style
The portrait showcases the artist's use of mezzotint and engraving, techniques involving metal plate scratching to achieve detailed, high-contrast images. This method allowed for precise rendering of Parke's features and attire.
History & Provenance
Created in 1802, specific details about the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
Produced during the early 19th century, this work reflects the contemporary preference for formal, profile portraits among the elite, leveraging the reproducibility of mezzotint and engraving for potential wider circulation.
Legacy
While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of this specific portrait are not detailed, it contributes to the oeuvre of Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, offering insight into early 19th-century portrait 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.
