Artwork
John Leeds Kerr
John Leeds Kerr is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work is a 1808 portrait print of John Leeds Kerr, executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown wove backing. It presents Kerr in profile, his hair rendered in soft waves, and he is dressed in a high‑collared shirt beneath a dark coat. The composition is set against a uniform, dark circular field.
Subject & Meaning
John Leeds Kerr, a notable figure of early‑19th‑century American politics, is depicted in a formal, side‑view pose that emphasizes his dignified bearing. The restrained attire and plain background focus attention on his facial features and the subtle expression conveyed through the profile view.
Technique & Style
The image combines mezzotint, a tonal printing process that builds rich gradations through roughened metal, with engraving, which adds fine lines by incising the plate. This hybrid approach allows the artist to achieve both deep shadows and delicate details, such as the texture of Kerr’s hair and the crisp edge of his collar.
History & Provenance
Created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French‑born artist active in the United States, the print reflects his practice of producing portraiture for American patrons. The piece is documented as part of the early 1800s series of mezzotint portraits that Saint‑Mémin issued to commemorate political leaders.
Context
During the early nineteenth century, mezzotint and engraving were popular for reproducing likenesses of public figures, offering a relatively affordable means of distribution. Saint‑Mémin’s work aligns with this trend, providing a visual record of Kerr’s stature within the political landscape of the era.
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.
