Artwork
Joseph Forman
Joseph Forman 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 mezzotint and engraving portrait, measuring 6.
About this work
Overview
This mezzotint and engraving portrait, measuring 6.03 × 5.08 cm, presents a side profile of Joseph Forman, focusing on his head and shoulders.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Joseph Forman, is rendered with attention to facial features, notably a straight nose and full lips, though the portrait's broader context or symbolic meaning is not immediately apparent from the image alone.
Technique & Style
Executed in black on wove paper (later mounted to brown wove paper), the work showcases detailed linework characteristic of engraving, a technique emphasizing precise, hand-tooled lines to achieve depth and texture.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, the portrait is dated to the early 19th century, specifically between 1803 and 1806. Further provenance details are not provided.
Context
Created during a period when portrait miniatures and detailed engravings were popular for capturing likenesses of individuals across various social strata, this work reflects the artistic trends of its time, emphasizing realism and precision.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of this particular portrait are not detailed, it contributes to the broader legacy of Févret de Saint-Mémin's oeuvre and the historical practice of mezzotint and engraving in portrait art.
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.
