Artwork
Thomas Claiborne
Thomas Claiborne 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 portrays Thomas Claiborne seated at a modest wooden table. He wears a dark coat and looks directly toward the viewer, set against an indistinct, softened backdrop. The image is executed in black on wove paper, which has been affixed to a brown-wove support for added stability.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures Claiborne, a figure of early‑American prominence, in a straightforward, dignified pose. The plain setting and lack of ornamental detail focus attention on his facial expression and attire, suggesting a portrait intended to convey personal stature rather than narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin employed a combination of mezzotint and engraving, using fine cross‑hatching to render shadows and texture. The mezzotint base provides a rich tonal depth, while the engraved lines sharpen details, especially in the facial features and clothing. The paper’s slightly rough surface enhances the tactile quality of the print.
History & Provenance
The print forms part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection, where it is displayed mounted on wove paper. It belongs to a series of portraits by Saint‑Mémin that document notable individuals from the early United States, reflecting the artist’s transatlantic career and his interest in American subjects.
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.
