Artwork
Thomas Rodman
Thomas Rodman is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1799 by the French artist Charles B.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1799 by the French artist Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑M%C3%A9min, this print presents a tightly cropped portrait of Thomas Rodman. Executed as a mezzotint combined with engraving on wove paper, the work measures just 5.56 by 5.56 centimetres, making it a notably diminutive example of early nineteenth‑century portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts Thomas Rodman gazing directly at the viewer, his features rendered with meticulous attention to facial expression and attire. The close‑up composition emphasizes individuality, inviting contemplation of the sitter’s status and character within the limited visual field of the small format.
Technique & Style
Saint‑M%C3%A9min employed a hybrid process: a copper plate was first incised with fine lines for the engraving, then worked with mezzotint tools to produce a rich tonal range. This combination allows subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving the portrait a three‑dimensional quality despite its modest size.
History & Provenance
The portrait was produced shortly after the artist’s relocation to the United States, a period during which he documented numerous American figures. While specific ownership records are sparse, the work remains associated with Saint‑M%C3%A9min’s American series and is catalogued among his printed portraits of the late eighteenth century.
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.
