Artwork
William Gilmor
William Gilmor is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1803, this small print measures 5.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Wm. Gilmore.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1803, this small print measures 5.72 by 5.72 centimeters and combines mezzotint with engraving on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown wove backing. The work is attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin and is held within the Corcoran Collection.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents William Gilmor in a three‑quarter pose, his dark coat and neatly tied cravat framing a focused, plain background that directs attention to his facial features. The portrait conveys a restrained, formal presence typical of early‑nineteenth‑century gentlemanly representation.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed the mezzotint process, a method that builds tone through a field of fine dots and lines, allowing for subtle gradations of light and shadow. This technique, coupled with engraving details, yields a smooth, almost photographic rendering of the sitter’s face.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Corcoran Collection, where it has been catalogued as a notable example of early American portrait printmaking. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s practice of producing portraiture for a transatlantic clientele during the post‑Revolutionary period.
Context
Mezzotint portraiture enjoyed popularity in the early 1800s as a means of disseminating likenesses before the widespread use of photography. Saint‑Mémin, a French émigré active in the United States, contributed to this tradition by adapting European techniques for an American market.
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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.
