Artwork
Williams Carter
Williams Carter is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Jonathan Cooper.
About this work
Overview
Williams Carter is a portrait print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin around 1808, featuring a man's profile view. It is part of the Saint-Mémin Collection of Portraits.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Williams Carter, is depicted in a calm, side-profile pose, dressed in attire characteristic of the early 19th century. The artist's focus on subtle facial expression and clothing details suggests an emphasis on capturing the sitter's personality and social stature.
Technique & Style
Executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, the print showcases Saint-Mémin's mastery of mezzotint's tonal capabilities. Fine lines and strategic smoothing of the metal plate create nuanced shading, particularly in the background, which contrasts with the subject's defined form.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1808, Williams Carter is integral to the Saint-Mémin Collection of Portraits, indicating its part in a broader body of work by the artist dedicated to capturing contemporary figures.
Context
Produced during the early 19th century, the portrait reflects the artistic and social inclinations of its time, with mezzotint being a popular method for portrait reproduction among the elite and emerging middle class.
Legacy
As part of the Saint-Mémin Collection, Williams Carter contributes to the historical record of early 19th-century portraiture, offering insights into both the artistic techniques and the social landscape of the period.
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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.
