Artwork
John Barnwell Deveaux
John Barnwell Deveaux is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The artist used fine lines to shade the face and coat, making them stand out in the dark ink.
This small engraving shows John Barnwell Deveaux in profile. His curly hair and formal coat are sharply cut from the dark background. The artist used fine lines to shade the face and coat, making them stand out in the dark ink.
The artist, Saint-Mémin, was known for crisp profile portraits like this. He worked in the U.S. around 1800, when portrait prints were popular but expensive.
Look up Saint-Mémin, Charles B. J. Févret de next.
Overview
This small print is a portrait of John Barnwell Deveaux, created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1809. It is executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Deveaux in profile, showcasing his curly hair and formal attire against a dark background. The level of detail in his features and clothing suggests a formal representation.
Technique & Style
The artist employed fine lines to achieve shading on Deveaux's face and coat, creating contrast with the dark surrounding area. The use of mezzotint and engraving techniques allowed for a high level of detail and texture.
Context
Saint-Mémin was active in the United States around 1800, a time when portrait prints were in demand but often costly. His work is characterized by crisp profile portraits, of which this is a representative example.
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.
