Artwork
John Wickham
John Wickham 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
This portrait of John Wickham is a mezzotint and engraving on black wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper, created using a technique common in its time.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, John Wickham, is depicted in formal attire with a serious expression, conveying a sense of solemnity and professionalism.
Technique & Style
The artwork showcases meticulous detail, characteristic of the mezzotint and engraving process, which the artist carefully executed to achieve realism over two centuries ago.
History & Provenance
The portrait is attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, though initially associated with a portrait of John H. Carr in 1810; it is now housed at the National Gallery of Art.
Context
The piece reflects the artistic preferences of its era, with Saint-Mémin's work being a reference point for understanding the style and technique of the time.
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.
