Artwork

Mary Ann Walker Bell

Mary Ann Walker Bell, by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1808
Mary Ann Walker Bell, by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, ink, 1808

Mary Ann Walker Bell 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 print of Mary Ann Walker Bell is a mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to a brown sheet. It captures the subject's head and upper shoulders.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait focuses on the subject's facial features and hairstyle, set against a simple dark background. The image highlights her delicate features and an embellished garment, suggesting attention to detail in her attire.

Technique & Style

Created using mezzotint and engraving techniques, the print showcases the artist's skill in capturing fine details. The use of black on wove paper contributes to the overall effect of the portrait, with the mezzotint allowing for subtle tonal variations.

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.