Artwork
Wallace
Wallace is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Charles B.
About this work
Overview
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint‑Mémin’s print titled “Wallace” is a diminutive portrait executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper. Completed between 1796 and 1797, the work measures just over five and a half centimeters on each side, inviting close inspection of its fine modeling.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a serene, forward‑facing profile of Elizabeth Marius Kemper. Rendered with a calm expression, the portrait emphasizes the sitter’s individuality through subtle facial modeling rather than overt symbolism.
Technique & Style
Employing both mezzotint and line engraving, Saint‑Mémin achieves a rich tonal range within the limited scale. The mezzotint grounds provide soft shadows, while the engraved lines define facial features, creating a realistic texture that rewards detailed viewing.
History & Provenance
Created in the late eighteenth century, the print reflects the period’s interest in intimate, portable portraiture. Its small format suggests it may have been intended for personal collection or exchange among acquaintances, though specific ownership records are scarce.
Context
The work belongs to a broader French tradition of portrait prints that circulated among the educated elite during the Revolutionary era. Saint‑Mémin, known for his skill in combining mezzotint depth with precise engraving, contributed to the diffusion of likenesses beyond painted commissions.
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.
