Artwork
Samuel Dinsmore Purviance
Samuel Dinsmore Purviance 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 likeness of Samuel Dinsmore Purviance. Executed by the French-American artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the work combines mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, later mounted on a brown‑toned sheet. It resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art and is in the public domain.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts Purviance with a sober demeanor, dressed in unadorned attire that emphasizes his facial features. The serious expression and plain clothing suggest a focus on personal character rather than social status, reflecting early‑19th‑century portrait conventions that valued individual identity.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed a hybrid process, using mezzotint to achieve rich tonal gradations and engraving for fine line work. This combination yields a textured surface with subtle shadows, allowing detailed rendering of skin, fabric folds, and hair. The result is a realistic, highly finished portrait typical of his printmaking practice.
History & Provenance
The print was produced shortly after Saint‑Mémin settled in the United States, during a period when he documented many American figures. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition (date unspecified) and has remained accessible for scholarly study and public viewing.
Context
In the early 1800s, mezzotint and engraving were popular means of disseminating portraiture beyond painted originals. Saint‑Mémin’s work contributed to a visual record of prominent individuals in the young republic, offering a durable, reproducible image for a broader audience.
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.
