Artwork
Thomas Taylor
Thomas Taylor 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
Created in 1808 by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint‑Mémin, this small print presents a profile portrait of Thomas Taylor. Executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, the image measures just 5.72 × 5.72 cm, offering a compact yet finely rendered likeness of the sitter.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts Taylor’s head and shoulders in strict profile, emphasizing the distinctive contours of his facial features. The restrained composition focuses attention on the individual’s physiognomy, reflecting the early‑19th‑century interest in personal identity and the subtle conveyance of character through portraiture.
Technique & Style
Saint‑Mémin combined mezzotint’s tonal richness with the linear precision of engraving, allowing delicate gradations of light and shadow within a limited surface. The use of black ink on wove paper produces a clear, uniform background that highlights the intricate incised details of the subject’s hair, cheekbones, and attire.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in Paris, where Saint‑Mémin was active among émigré French artists serving American patrons. While specific ownership records are scarce, the portrait’s modest dimensions suggest it may have been intended for a private collection or as a diplomatic token during the post‑Revolutionary period.
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.
