Artwork
Robert Wescott
Robert Wescott 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.
About this work
Overview
This 1798 print, titled Robert Wescott, is a portrait created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, later mounted to brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Robert Wescott, is depicted in simple, dark attire with a serious expression. The portrait focuses on capturing detailed facial features, such as hair and eyes, emphasizing realism over opulence.
Technique & Style
Févret de Saint-Mémin employed a combination of mezzotint and engraving to achieve intricate details and textures, characteristic of his portraiture style, which prioritized precision and likeness.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the Corcoran Collection, housed at the National Gallery of Art, indicating its inclusion in a significant American art collection.
Context
To contextualize this work, examining the broader oeuvre of Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin is recommended, as it showcases his consistent approach to portrait-making during the late 18th century.
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.
