Artwork
Unidentified Man
Unidentified Man is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around the turn of the nineteenth century, this mezzotint and engraving presents a solitary male figure in profile.
About this work
Overview
Created around the turn of the nineteenth century, this mezzotint and engraving presents a solitary male figure in profile. Rendered entirely in black on wove paper that has been affixed to a brown backing, the image occupies a small circular format typical of intimate portrait collections.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown from the side, displaying the upper torso and head. He wears a dark coat contrasted by a light cravat, his facial features rendered with careful attention to detail. The work offers a straightforward, dignified representation without overt narrative, suggesting a focus on individual likeness.
Technique & Style
Combining mezzotint’s rich tonal gradations with the linear precision of engraving, the artist achieves depth and texture within a monochrome palette. The use of wove paper, both as the print surface and as a mounting support, contributes to a smooth, uniform finish that enhances the subtle shading of the figure.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the piece belongs to a series of small circular portraits produced in the early 1800s. Such prints were often compiled into personal albums, indicating a market for collectible, portable likenesses among contemporary patrons.
Context
Saint‑Mémin’s work reflects the broader French tradition of portrait miniatures and printmaking that catered to the burgeoning middle class. By employing a compact, album-friendly format, the artist aligned with the period’s demand for accessible, reproducible images 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.
