Artwork
Samuel DeButts
Samuel DeButts is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1805, this print presents a profile portrait of Samuel DeButts. Executed by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the work combines mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown backing. The composition shows the sitter turned to the left, his facial features rendered with careful attention to line and tone.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures DeButts in a classic left‑facing profile, a convention popular in early‑19th‑century portraiture for emphasizing the sitter’s character and social standing. The clear delineation of his facial structure and the restrained expression convey a sense of dignity appropriate to a gentleman of his era.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed both mezzotint and engraving, allowing a rich tonal range that gives the portrait depth and subtle texture. The mezzotint’s soft gradations contrast with the crisp engraved lines, together producing a nuanced surface that highlights the sitter’s features while retaining the flatness of the paper support.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the artist’s productive period in the United States, where Saint‑Mémin produced a series of portrait prints of prominent figures. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is documented as part of the artist’s 1805 output, reflecting his engagement with American patrons during his brief stay.
Context
Profile portraits were a dominant format in the early Republic, echoing neoclassical ideals and the influence of classical coinage. Saint‑Mémin’s choice of mezzotint—a medium favored for its ability to render fine tonal variation—aligned with contemporary tastes for refined, collectible prints.
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.
