Artwork
John Hollins
John Hollins is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1804 print by Charles B.
About this work
Overview
This 1804 print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin portrays John Hollins in formal attire within a circular vignette, executed in monochromatic mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted on brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, John Hollins, is depicted in conventional formal wear of the time, including a high-collared white shirt and dark, tailored coat with a visible lapel, conveying a sense of professionalism or social status.
Technique & Style
The artist utilized mezzotint for tonal depth and engraving for detail, capturing intricate folds in clothing and facial expression with precision, characteristic of Saint-Mémin's portrait style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1804, the work's provenance is not detailed here, but its mounting on brown wove paper suggests a common practice of the era for preserving and presenting prints.
Context
This portrait reflects the early 19th-century tradition of formal, circular-vignette portraits, with Saint-Mémin's attention to detail distinguishing it within this common genre.
Legacy
As part of Saint-Mémin's oeuvre, this work contributes to the artist's reputation for meticulous, expressive portraits, though its individual impact is not specifically highlighted in available information.
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.
