Artwork
David Reedy
David Reedy 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
David Reedy is a small portrait print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1798, measuring 2 3/8 x 2 1/2 inches. It is executed in mezzotint and engraving on black wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper, and is part of the Corcoran Collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a man, identified as David Reedy, dressed in a dark coat with a high collar. His face, illuminated by a side light source, conveys a sense of seriousness and calm through direct, engaged eye contact.
Technique & Style
Saint-Mémin showcases mastery of mezzotint in this work, utilizing a rocker tool to create intricate pits on a metal plate, resulting in rich, dark tones. Subtle cross-hatching in the subject's coat adds depth, demonstrating the artist's skill in combining mezzotint with engraving.
History & Provenance
Created in 1798, the print is now held within the Corcoran Collection, though the subject's identity and the circumstances of the portrait's creation are not elaborated upon in available information.
Context
While specific contextual details about David Reedy or the commission are not provided, the piece reflects late 18th-century portrait practices, where mezzotint was valued for its ability to capture nuanced likenesses.
Legacy
The legacy of 'David Reedy' lies in its technical exemplarity of mezzotint and engraving techniques of its time, contributing to the broader appreciation of Saint-Mémin's oeuvre and 18th-century printmaking.
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.
