Artwork
Edward William Laight
Edward William Laight is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print is a portrait of Edward William Laight, created using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper. The artwork is a profile view, showcasing the subject's features against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Laight's likeness, emphasizing his prominent nose and calm demeanor. His attire and hairstyle are rendered in detail, suggesting a focus on representing the subject's character and social status.
Technique & Style
The use of mezzotint and engraving on wove paper allowed for a high level of detail in the portrait, particularly in Laight's clothing and hair. The dark circular background creates a striking contrast with the subject, a characteristic of neoclassical profile portraits.
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.
