Artwork
Alexander Smyth
Alexander Smyth is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Alexander Smyth is portrayed in a small, detailed mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, created in 1807 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. Measuring 5.72 × 5.56 cm, the work's compact size indicates its likely purpose for personal or intimate use.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Alexander Smyth in profile, characterized by his wavy hair, a high-collared shirt, and a dark coat. These elements convey a sense of formal, possibly professional, demeanor during the early 19th century.
Technique & Style
Executed in mezzotint and engraving in black on wove paper (later mounted on brown wove paper), the piece showcases Saint-Mémin's mastery of line work, achieving a high level of detail despite its small scale.
History & Provenance
Created in 1807, specific details about the artwork's historical ownership or exhibition history are not provided in the available information.
Context
Part of the early 19th-century portrait tradition, this work reflects the era's preferences for profile views and formal attire in depictions of individuals of note, such as Alexander Smyth.
Legacy
While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of this specific portrait are not detailed, it contributes to the oeuvre of Saint-Mémin and the historical record of Alexander Smyth's representation in art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin
Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin (French pronunciation: ; 1770–1852) was a French portrait painter and museum director.
