Artwork
James Clinton
James Clinton is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print, executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, presents a profile view of James Clinton. Rendered in black tones, the image shows Clinton with light, wavy hair and a high‑collared coat, set against a simple circular backdrop that isolates the figure from any surrounding detail.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures James Clinton, a notable figure of the late eighteenth century, in a dignified, frontal profile. The emphasis on his facial features and attire reflects an intention to convey his personal identity and social standing, typical of portraiture intended for public recognition or commemoration.
Technique & Style
Created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the print combines mezzotint’s tonal richness with the linear precision of engraving. The artist’s careful rendering of hair, fabric folds, and the smooth circular ground demonstrates a meticulous approach aimed at achieving a lifelike representation within the constraints of black‑and‑white print media.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1797, the portrait aligns with a period when American military and political leaders were frequently commemorated through printed likenesses. The work’s survival on mounted wove paper suggests it was intended for collection or display, though specific ownership records beyond its creation are not documented.
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.
