Artwork
de Villers
de Villers is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1801 print, 'de Villers', is a monochrome portrait created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a man in profile, characterized by his sharp nose, styled curls, and high-collared coat, set against a plain dark background.
Technique & Style
The artist employed mezzotint, roughening a metal plate to achieve soft shadows and polishing areas to create highlights, resulting in a highly detailed and realistic image for its time.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection.
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.
