Artwork
John Carlyle Herbert
John Carlyle Herbert is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
John Carlyle Herbert is depicted in a profile portrait, rendered in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper. The work showcases a man's head and upper torso, characterized by simplicity in attire and a serious facial expression.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, John Carlyle Herbert, is presented with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in his hair and facial features, conveying a sense of solemnity.
Technique & Style
The portrait leverages a combined mezzotint and engraving technique, enabling the achievement of high detail and textured depth, hallmark of the artist's approach.
History & Provenance
The original portrait, a painting by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, is housed at the National Gallery of Art, with this mezzotint/engraving version mounted on brown wove paper.
Context
This work aligns with the artistic practices of Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, whose profile portraits often showcased detailed, serious depictions of subjects.
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.
