Artwork
Theodore Gourdin
Theodore Gourdin is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This portrait of Theodore Gourdin is a mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper, created circa 1808-1809 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Theodore Gourdin in profile, characterized by curly hair, a prominent nose, a dark coat, and a high-collared white shirt, conveying a sense of formal, refined demeanor.
Technique & Style
The artwork utilizes cross-hatching for shading, particularly evident in Gourdin's face and coat. The mezzotint technique imparts a distinctive velvety texture, while the wove paper substrate adds a fabric-like quality.
History & Provenance
Created between 1808 and 1809, the piece is now part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, where other works by Saint-Mémin can also be found.
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.
