Artwork
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison 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.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin Philadela.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Wm. Harisson. / Henry
About this work
Overview
The work is held in the Corcoran Collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Created in 1800, this black-and-white print combines mezzotint and engraving to portray William Henry Harrison, who would later become the ninth President of the United States. The image presents Harrison seated in a formal chair, his attire rendered with careful attention to the gleam of coat buttons and the texture of his powdered hair. The work is held in the Corcoran Collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Harrison in the role of a congressional delegate, emphasizing his authority and composure. His upright posture and solemn expression convey the gravitas associated with public service, while the precise rendering of his clothing and hair underscores his status as a figure of political significance during the early Republic.
Technique & Style
Employing both mezzotint and engraving, the artist achieves a range of tonal contrasts, from deep shadows to bright highlights, in a single printing process. The mezzotint method allows for soft, velvety gradations, while the engraved lines provide crisp detail, together giving the portrait a painterly quality that was prized for reproducing likenesses of notable individuals.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by Charles B.J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French émigré known for his portrait prints of American leaders. After its creation, the image entered the Corcoran Collection, which was later incorporated into the National Gallery of Art. It remains an example of early 19th‑century print culture used to disseminate political imagery.
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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.
