Artwork
Henry Foxall
Henry Foxall is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1806, this small print measures 5.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1806, this small print measures 5.56 × 5.56 cm and presents a profile portrait of Henry Foxall. Executed in black on wove paper that is mounted to a brown wove backing, the work combines mezzotint and engraving techniques. It belongs to the Corcoran Collection, now held by the National Gallery of Art.
Technique & Style
This hybrid approach was a common means of achieving both depth and clarity in early‑19th‑century portrait prints.
The image merges mezzotint’s tonal gradations with the precise line work of engraving. The artist built soft, velvety shadows by roughening the plate for mezzotint, then refined details through cross‑hatching, a fine network of parallel lines that model the folds of Foxall’s coat and the contours of his face. This hybrid approach was a common means of achieving both depth and clarity in early‑19th‑century portrait prints.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Henry Foxall in strict profile, a conventional pose that emphasizes the sitter’s features and attire. The clear delineation of his facial outline and the textured rendering of his clothing suggest a focus on status and individuality, typical of portraiture intended for identification and commemoration.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French‑born artist active in the United States after 1800. It entered the Corcoran Collection, which was incorporated into the National Gallery of Art’s holdings in the mid‑20th century, ensuring its preservation and public accessibility.
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.
