Artwork
Facio
Facio is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1802, “Facio” is a diminutive portrait executed by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin. The work measures just 5.56 × 5.56 cm and presents a French political figure in a restrained, formal pose. Its compact scale and meticulous rendering make it a representative example of early‑nineteenth‑century print portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a French politician, rendered with a solemn expression that reflects the conventions of official portraiture of the period. The seriousness of the sitter’s gaze conveys authority and civic duty, aligning the work with contemporary expectations for depictions of public officials.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin combined mezzotint and engraving methods on wove paper, then mounted the print to a brown wove backing. The mezzotint technique provides rich tonal gradations, while the engraved lines sharpen details, allowing the artist to achieve a high level of definition within the tiny format.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the artist’s productive phase in the early 1800s, a time when French printmakers frequently documented political figures. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been catalogued as part of Saint‑Mémin’s oeuvre of portrait prints, illustrating his role in documenting the era’s public life.
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.
