Artwork
James Bankhead
James Bankhead 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 view of James Bankhead, an American lawyer and politician. Executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, the image is mounted on a brown‑toned backing, enhancing its contrast against the dark surrounding space.
Subject & Meaning
Bankhead is rendered with curly hair, a high‑collared shirt and a tailored jacket, his gaze directed to the right. The composition emphasizes his individual presence, offering a formal representation typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture of public figures.
Technique & Style
The work combines mezzotint’s tonal richness with the linear precision of engraving. The artist’s use of a dark background isolates the sitter, allowing subtle gradations of light to model facial features and clothing, characteristic of Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin’s printmaking approach.
History & Provenance
Produced by French‑born printmaker Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the portrait was likely commissioned during Bankhead’s tenure in public office. The print has circulated among collections of early American political portraiture, reflecting its role as a visual record of the period.
Context
At the turn of the 19th century, mezzotint and engraving were common mediums for disseminating images of notable individuals. This portrait aligns with contemporary practices of documenting civic leaders, providing a durable, reproducible likeness for public and private audiences.
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.
