Artwork
John Cruger
John Cruger is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1796, this small print measures 5.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1796, this small print measures 5.56 by 5.56 centimetres and is executed in black on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown wove backing. It is a portrait of John Cruger rendered in profile, and it is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents an elderly male figure, identified as John Cruger, shown in a strict side view. The composition emphasizes the sitter’s facial features and attire, offering a concise visual record of his appearance and status without narrative embellishment.
Technique & Style
The work combines mezzotint and engraving methods, allowing for delicate tonal gradations alongside crisp line work. Saint‑Mémin’s handling of the medium achieves fine detail within the miniature format, demonstrating the capacity of printmaking to convey subtle texture and depth on a very small scale.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French artist active in the late eighteenth century, the print was produced during his American period. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains catalogued as an example of early transatlantic portrait printmaking.
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.
