Artwork
Thomas Dwight
Thomas Dwight is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This small portrait, measuring 5.
About this work
Overview
This small portrait, measuring 5.56 × 5.56 cm, is a mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper, created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1806. It depicts Thomas Dwight in profile.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Thomas Dwight, is portrayed wearing formal attire of the period, including a high-collared garment, a white cravat, and a dark coat. The profile view was a common convention for portraits of the time, conveying dignity and formality.
Technique & Style
Despite its miniature scale, the portrait exhibits meticulous detail, achieved through the combined techniques of mezzotint and engraving. Simple yet precise lines define the facial features and clothing, characteristic of the artist's skill in capturing likeness in small formats.
History & Provenance
The portrait is part of the collection at the National Portrait Gallery, ensuring its preservation and public accessibility. Created in 1806, it reflects the artistic practices and portrait conventions of the early 19th century.
Context
The use of mezzotint and engraving for portraitures during this period was not uncommon among artists, as these techniques allowed for detailed, reproducible images. However, the exceptional small size of this work highlights the artist's particular skill with miniature portraiture.
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.
