Artwork
de Lespinasse
de Lespinasse is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
De Lespinasse is a small print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1803 using mezzotint and engraving techniques. It measures 5.72 × 5.56 cm and is part of the Corcoran Collection.
Technique & Style
The print combines mezzotint and engraving on wove paper. Mezzotint allowed Saint-Mémin to achieve smooth transitions and subtle shading, while engraving techniques like cross-hatching added depth and texture to the subject's features and clothing.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a woman's face, rendered in soft black and white tones. The subject's skin appears smooth, and details like her lace collar are crisply defined.
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.
