Artwork
Unidentified Male Silhouette
Unidentified Male Silhouette is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The painting shows a man's head and upper shoulders in profile.
It's a simple yet detailed image.
The man has a high collar and clear facial features.
The artist used a technique to create lots of detail in a small space.
This was done in 1797, a time when profiles like this were popular.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Saint-Mémin, Charles B. J. Févret de.
Overview
Unidentified Male Silhouette is a small print by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, created in 1797, measuring 4.92 × 3.18 cm. It presents a detailed, profile view of a man's head and upper shoulders.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a man with clear facial features and a high collar or cravat, is depicted without accompanying jewelry or objects, focusing attention on his likeness. The absence of identifiers suggests the work may prioritize portraiture over specific individuality.
Technique & Style
Executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper (later mounted on brown wove paper), the piece showcases Saint-Mémin's skill in achieving intricate detail within a compact format, characteristic of the silhouette's popularity during this period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1797, during the height of silhouette popularity, the work's provenance details are not provided, though its creation aligns with the era's fascination with profile portraits.
Context
The late 18th century saw a surge in silhouette art, often used for portraiture due to its accessibility and elegance. This work fits within this trend, reflecting contemporary tastes for simple, yet detailed, representations of individuals.
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.
