Artwork
Thomas Price
Thomas Price is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1809, this small print measures 5.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1809, this small print measures 5.56 by 5.56 centimeters and is executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper that has been mounted to a brown wove backing. The work is attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, a French‑trained artist known for his portrait prints.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a tightly cropped portrait of a man, rendered with a stark contrast between light and shadow: the left side of his cheek is illuminated while the right recedes into darkness. The fine lines of his coat collar catch the light, emphasizing the sitter’s facial features and attire.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin employed the mezzotint process, which allows for smooth tonal transitions without the use of cross‑hatching. By roughening the plate and then smoothing areas to varying degrees, he achieved deep, velvety shadows and crisp highlights, a hallmark of his portraiture.
History & Provenance
Trained in Paris before emigrating to the United States, Saint‑Mémin produced numerous portrait prints by translating painted likenesses onto metal plates. This particular work is part of that series, reflecting his practice of reproducing painted portraits through mezzotint and engraving techniques.
Context
The print belongs to an early‑19th‑century tradition of disseminating portraiture beyond the original oil paintings, making images of notable individuals more widely accessible. Saint‑Mémin’s work contributed to the visual culture of the period, especially among American patrons who sought European‑style 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.
