Artwork
Bailey Bartlett
Bailey Bartlett is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1800, this black-and-white print presents a side view of Bailey Bartlett. Executed by the French-American artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the work combines mezzotint and engraving on wove paper that has been affixed to a brown‑toned backing. The portrait is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection within the Smithsonian Institution.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Bartlett in profile, emphasizing his prominent nose, sharply defined eyebrows, and a pronounced chin. The focused rendering of these facial characteristics conveys a sense of personal resolve, reflecting the conventions of early‑American portraiture that sought to highlight the individuality and stature of the sitter.
Technique & Style
Employing both mezzotint and line engraving, the artist achieved a rich tonal range and fine detail without the use of color. The mezzotint areas provide deep, velvety shadows, while the engraved lines delineate facial features with precision, illustrating the meticulous craftsmanship typical of turn‑of‑the‑century printmaking.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the portrait entered the holdings of the National Portrait Gallery, where it remains on display as part of the Smithsonian’s effort to document notable figures in American history. Its provenance reflects the institution’s long‑standing commitment to preserving early American portrait prints.
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.
