Artwork
Woods
Woods 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.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Drawn & engrd. by St. Memin.; lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Thomas Woods.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1803, this print titled Woods presents a portrait of Thomas Woods. Executed by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the image appears within a circular frame and shows the sitter in formal, early‑19th‑century dress with short, curly hair. The work combines mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, later mounted on a brown‑toned sheet.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is Thomas Woods, rendered in a dignified pose that emphasizes his social standing through precise rendering of clothing and facial features. The careful attention to detail suggests an intent to convey the sitter’s identity and status rather than an allegorical narrative, typical of portraiture intended for personal or familial commemoration.
Technique & Style
The print merges mezzotint’s tonal richness with the line work of engraving, both applied in black ink on a smooth wove surface. This combination allows for deep shadows alongside crisp outlines, producing a nuanced rendering of fabric texture and facial expression. The mounting on brown wove paper provides a subtle contrast that frames the circular composition.
History & Provenance
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, known for his portrait prints, produced this work shortly after his relocation to the United States, where he documented prominent individuals. The original paper and mounting suggest it was intended for private collection rather than public exhibition, and the piece has remained associated with the Woods family lineage.
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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.
