Artwork
Guenin
Guenin is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1803, this print by Charles B.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1803, this print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin presents a compact portrait of a seated male figure. Rendered in black on wove paper and later mounted onto brown wove paper, the work measures just 5.56 by 5.56 centimetres, emphasizing its intimate scale within the artist’s oeuvre.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the sitter’s upper body in a left‑facing profile, with the head turned toward the viewer’s line of sight. The composition focuses on the facial features and torso, offering a direct, personal glimpse of the individual without surrounding narrative elements.
Technique & Style
Executed through a combination of mezzotint and engraving, the print achieves subtle tonal variation and fine line work. The mezzotint base provides rich, velvety shadows, while the engraved details define the contours of the face and clothing, creating depth within the limited surface area.
History & Provenance
Listed among Saint‑Mémin’s notable productions, the portrait reflects the artist’s engagement with portraiture during the early nineteenth century. Its preservation on wove paper, later affixed to a brown backing, indicates careful handling and suggests inclusion in a private collection or institutional archive.
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.
