Artwork
Meriwether Lewis
Meriwether Lewis is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print presents Meriwether Lewis in a compact, head‑and‑shoulders format. Rendered in profile, the figure is shown upright, suggesting either a seated or standing stance. The composition is formal, emphasizing the subject’s demeanor through a restrained pose and clear facial features.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Lewis with a straight nose, a resolute chin, and light‑colored, tightly curled hair cut short. These attributes convey a sense of determination and composure, aligning with his reputation as an explorer and leader of the early American expedition.
Technique & Style
Executed as a mezzotint and engraving, the image is printed in black on wove paper that has been affixed to a brown‑toned backing. The combination of intaglio processes allows for subtle tonal gradations, while the line work defines the subject’s facial contours with precision.
History & Provenance
Created by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint‑MÉmin, the work reflects the artist’s practice of producing portrait prints of notable figures in the early nineteenth century. The print’s paper mounting and preservation suggest it was intended for collection or display within a private or institutional setting.
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.
