Artwork
Jacob S. Waln
Jacob S. Waln is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Jacob S.
About this work
Overview
Jacob S. Waln is a portrait print created using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper. The work is attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin and is part of the Corcoran Collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Jacob S. Waln, is depicted in a formal attire consisting of a dark coat and a white ruffled shirt. His facial expression, illuminated softly from the left, reveals subtle signs of aging through fine lines on the cheeks and forehead.
Technique & Style
The portrait leverages mezzotint for smooth light-to-dark gradations, achieving a near three-dimensional effect on Waln's face. Cross-hatching is employed to deepen shadows, notably around the eyes and under the chin, enhancing the overall depth and realism.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1800s, a period when mezzotint was a preferred method for portrait reproduction due to its ability to capture nuanced shading, despite being a slower and more costly process than other contemporary print techniques. The piece is now held within the Corcoran Collection.
Context
The use of mezzotint in Jacob S. Waln reflects the artistic preferences of the early 19th century, where this technique was valued for its capacity to produce high-quality, detailed portraits with depth, catering to the demand for likenesses among the elite.
Legacy
As part of the Corcoran Collection, Jacob S. Waln contributes to the historical record of portrait printing techniques of its time, showcasing Saint-Mémin's skill in mezzotint and engraving. However, specific details on its broader impact or exhibition history are not provided.
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.
