Artwork
Henry Brunet
Henry Brunet is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1808, this black-and-white print presents a profile portrait of Henry Brunet. Executed by the French artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the work combines mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown‑toned backing. The piece is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts Brunet in a three‑quarter view, his face turned to the left. He wears a sharply cut coat collar and his hair is styled in the powdered fashion typical of the period, suggesting a concern with contemporary taste and status. The straightforward profile format emphasizes the sitter’s individual features without narrative embellishment.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed mezzotint to achieve a subtle gradation of tone on the cheek, while the engraving retains a crisp edge along the nose and collar. The contrast between the smooth tonal areas and the fine linear strokes creates a tactile sense of the paper’s surface, where the ink deposits a slight relief.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in France shortly after the turn of the nineteenth century, a time when portrait mezzotints were popular among the elite. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, though the exact path of ownership prior to that remains undocumented in public records.
Context
During the early 1800s, French printmakers like Saint‑Mémin often combined mezzotint’s soft shading with the precision of engraving to satisfy patrons seeking both realism and elegance. This hybrid approach reflects broader artistic trends that valued technical virtuosity in portraiture.
Legacy
While not widely reproduced, the print exemplifies Saint‑Mémin’s skill in merging two printmaking methods to capture fine detail and atmospheric depth. It continues to serve as a reference point for scholars examining the evolution of French portrait prints in the Napoleonic era.
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.
