Artwork

Alexander Forsyth

Alexander Forsyth, by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1802
Alexander Forsyth, by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1802

Alexander Forsyth is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print is a portrait of Alexander Forsyth, created using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper. The artwork presents Forsyth in profile, focusing on his upper body and head.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Forsyth wearing a dark, high-collared coat and a light-colored cravat, with curly hair styled upwards. The detailed rendering of his features and attire suggests a formal representation.

Technique & Style

The print combines mezzotint and engraving in black on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper. The technique used achieves a high level of detail and realism, evident in the folds of Forsyth's collar and the texture of his hair.

History & Provenance

The original portrait was created by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1802. This print is derived from that original work.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.