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.
About this work
Overview
This print, 'Unidentified Man,' is a portrait of a man's head and upper torso in profile. Created using mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper, it is a small circular image.
Subject & Meaning
The subject wears a dark coat and light cravat, typical attire for a man of his time. As one of many similar portraits by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, it likely represents an individual from the artist's social circle or a notable figure.
Technique & Style
The print combines mezzotint and engraving in black on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper. This technique allows for detailed, tonal renderings, characteristic of Saint-Mémin's work.
History & Provenance
Dating to around 1800, 'Unidentified Man' is part of a series of small circular portraits. These were likely created for collection and exchange, providing insight into the people of that era.
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.
