Artwork
Gervais, Jr.
Gervais, Jr. 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. Created in 1801 by Charles B.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1801 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, this small-scale portrait measures just 5.56 × 5.56 cm. Executed as a mezzotint and engraving in black ink on wove paper, it is mounted on a brown‑toned backing. The work belongs to the Saint‑Mémin Collection of Portraits, a grouping of similar prints by the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a single male sitter, rendered in modest attire and gazing directly toward the viewer. The plain dress and straightforward pose suggest an emphasis on the individual’s identity rather than status, typical of portraiture intended for personal or documentary purposes.
Technique & Style
Combining mezzotint’s tonal richness with the line precision of engraving, the artist achieved fine gradations of light and shadow within a very limited surface. Working on wove paper required meticulous control of the burin and rocker tools to capture facial details at such a diminutive scale.
History & Provenance
The print has remained within the Saint‑Mémin Collection since its creation, indicating it was likely retained by the artist or his estate as part of a series of portrait prints. Its preservation on mounted paper reflects common archival practices for delicate mezzotints of the early nineteenth century.
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.
