Artwork
Unidentified Female Silhouette
Unidentified Female Silhouette is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Unidentified Female Silhouette is a 1797 print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, combining mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper. The work depicts an anonymous woman's profile in black against a white background, with subtle shading and texture achieved through cross-hatching.
Subject & Meaning
The subject remains unidentified, reflecting the artist's prolific production of portraits for a broad clientele. The focus on a single, unnamed figure emphasizes the democratic accessibility of Saint-Mémin's prints, which were designed to be affordable and flattering.
Technique & Style
Saint-Mémin employed mezzotint for the solid black silhouette and engraving for the finer details, such as the cross-hatched background. This contrast creates a sense of depth and softness, with light suggested on the subject's hair and dress through subtle line work.
History & Provenance
Created in 1797 by a French artist working in America, the print is now part of the Corcoran Collection. Saint-Mémin's method allowed for rapid production, yielding over 200 similar portraits that catered to the demand for accessible, yet dignified, personal portraits 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.
