Artwork
Watt
Watt is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Watt is a small print created in 1802 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, combining mezzotint and engraving techniques on wove paper. Measuring 5.72 × 5.72 cm, it is a finely detailed portrait.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the portrait is James Watt, depicted with a serious expression and adorned in attire characteristic of his time. The level of detail, including intricate facial features and clothing folds, highlights the artist's meticulous craftsmanship.
Technique & Style
Saint-Mémin employed a method involving numerous small marks to achieve high detail and texture. This approach, characteristic of his work, enables the capturing of subtle nuances in the subject's appearance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1802, specific details about the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
As a portrait of James Watt, the print situates itself within the broader context of commemorating influential figures of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, reflecting the era's appreciation for precision and innovation.
Legacy
While the print's direct impact is not elaborated, it contributes to the artistic legacy of Saint-Mémin and the historical record of James Watt's likeness, preserved through the artist's skilled use of mezzotint and engraving.
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.
