Artwork
Joseph Erwin
Joseph Erwin is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1798 print by Charles B.
About this work
Overview
This 1798 print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin is a mezzotint and engraving portrait of Joseph Erwin, an American politician and lawyer. Executed on wove paper mounted to brown wove paper, the work showcases the artist's meticulous technique.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Joseph Erwin, is depicted in formal attire with a serious expression, reflecting his professional stature as a politician and lawyer. The portrait's solemnity emphasizes Erwin's public persona.
Technique & Style
The mezzotint technique is prominently showcased, allowing for intricate details and nuanced shading. This method, often employed for portraits during this period, lends depth and dimensionality to the image.
History & Provenance
Created in 1798, specific provenance details are not provided, though the work is attributed to Saint-Mémin, a known practitioner of mezzotint. Further research into the artist's oeuvre may offer contextual insights.
Context
Part of a broader 18th-century portrait tradition, this work aligns with the era's preference for detailed, realistic depictions of public figures. Saint-Mémin's use of mezzotint situates the piece within the technical innovations of late 18th-century 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.
