Artwork
John Dawson
John Dawson 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
Overview
John Dawson is a portrait print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1809, utilizing mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, subsequently mounted to brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts the upper body of a man, characterized by curly, well-groomed hair and a distinctive nose, though the subject's identity and context are not elaborated beyond the name 'John Dawson'.
Technique & Style
Executed in mezzotint and engraving in black, the work showcases meticulous detail, notably in the hair and facial features, despite its diminutive scale of 5.72 × 5.56 cm.
History & Provenance
Created in 1809, specific details regarding the artwork's history, ownership, or exhibition record prior to its current status are not provided.
Context
Part of Saint-Mémin's oeuvre, this piece reflects the artist's practice of portraitures, with further insight into the artist's broader contributions available through separate inquiry into Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin.
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.
