Artwork
Charles Grove
Charles Grove is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Charles Grove is a small portrait print created in 1798 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, measuring 5.56 × 5.56 cm. Executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, it depicts a man's bust in profile.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Charles Grove, is portrayed in a formal, stiff-collared attire, conveying a sense of solemnity and dignity. The profile view, a common choice for portraiture at the time, emphasizes the sitter's features without expressing emotion.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Saint-Mémin's mastery of mezzotint and engraving. Deep, clean lines and precise parallel hatching achieve a sharp, high-contrast image, characteristic of the artist's meticulous technique.
History & Provenance
Created during Saint-Mémin's prolific period in America, this print is part of a larger body of work by the artist, who produced numerous portraits in this medium across the continent.
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.
