Artwork
George Washington Biddle
George Washington Biddle 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. Charles B.
About this work
Overview
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin’s small portrait of George Washington Biddle is a black mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to a brown backing. Executed in 1801, the work measures roughly 5.6 × 5.6 cm, presenting a finely detailed profile view of the sitter.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Biddle in profile, attired in a dark coat with a high, standing collar and a light‑coloured cravat. The composition emphasizes the dignified bearing of the subject, typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture that sought to convey status through attire and pose.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed mezzotint combined with engraving, a process that allows for subtle tonal gradations and precise line work. The artist’s meticulous handling of line and shade achieves a realistic rendering despite the miniature dimensions, demonstrating the high level of skill required for such intimate prints.
History & Provenance
Created in 1801, the portrait is attributed to Saint‑Mémin, a French‑born engraver active in the United States. The work’s provenance traces back to the Biddle family, though further ownership details remain limited in the record.
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.
