Artwork
Sarah Coates Levy
Sarah Coates Levy 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. Created in 1802, this intimate portrait measures just 5.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1802, this intimate portrait measures just 5.56 by 5.56 centimeters and is executed in black mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, later mounted on a brown wove backing. The work is attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin and forms part of the Corcoran Collection, illustrating the artist’s engagement with small‑scale print portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a close‑up view of a woman’s face, rendered with careful attention to the softness of her expression and the refinement of her attire. The delicate rendering suggests a focus on personal character rather than overt symbolism, offering a quiet glimpse into the sitter’s demeanor within the conventions of early‑19th‑century portraiture.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin combines mezzotint’s tonal richness with the linear precision of engraving, producing a textured surface that conveys depth and subtle gradations of light. The interplay of roughened mezzotint areas and fine engraved lines enhances the three‑dimensional quality of the facial features, while the compact format demands a concentrated compositional approach.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Corcoran Collection, a notable repository of American art, though its earlier ownership remains undocumented. Its presence in the collection reflects the institution’s interest in works that exemplify early American printmaking and the transatlantic exchange of artistic techniques during the period.
Context
During the early 1800s, mezzotint and engraving were popular for reproducing portraits, yet such a diminutive size was atypical. Saint‑Mémin, a French émigré active in the United States, often employed these media to capture likenesses for a clientele seeking portable, affordable representations of individuals.
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.
