Artwork

M. A. Meschert

M. A. Meschert, by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1800
M. A. Meschert, by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1800

M. A. Meschert is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. M.

About this work

Overview

M. A. Meschert is a small portrait print created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1800. The artwork measures 5.56 × 5.56 cm and is executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper.

Technique & Style

The print employs mezzotint, a technique that achieves soft, velvety shadows by roughening and then smoothing a metal plate. This method was popular for portraiture in the late 18th century, and Saint-Mémin utilized it to create a crisp and detailed image.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man dressed in a dark coat set against a light background. The subject's identity is tied to the name 'M. A. Meschert', suggesting the print is a representation of this individual.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the Corcoran Collection, indicating its historical significance and preservation within a notable art collection.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.