Artwork
Eleanor Rawle Chardon
Eleanor Rawle Chardon is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Charles B.
About this work
Overview
The work combines mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, which is then mounted on a brown‑toned backing.
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin’s portrait of Eleanor Rawle Chardon, executed in 1800, is a small black‑and‑white print measuring just over five and a half centimeters on each side. The work combines mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, which is then mounted on a brown‑toned backing. It belongs to the Corcoran Collection and exemplifies the precision required for miniature printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents Eleanor Rawly Chardon in attire reminiscent of an earlier era, her features rendered with meticulous attention to facial expression and clothing texture. While the portrait does not convey an overt narrative, the careful rendering of her dress and demeanor suggests an intention to capture both personal identity and the social conventions of her time.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed a hybrid of mezzotint—a tonal method that allows for subtle gradations of light—and line engraving, which provides sharp definition. The combination yields a rich chiaroscuro effect within the limited dimensions, highlighting delicate details such as the folds of fabric and the nuanced modeling of the sitter’s face.
History & Provenance
Created at the turn of the nineteenth century, the print entered the Corcoran Collection, a major American art institution, where it remains catalogued. Its provenance traces back to the original print run, though specific ownership records prior to its acquisition by the Corcoran are not documented in the available sources.
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.
