Artwork
William H. Cabell
William H. Cabell is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This 1808 portrait of William H.
About this work
Overview
This 1808 portrait of William H. Cabell is a mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper, and is part of the Corcoran Collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures William H. Cabell in a formal, serene pose, wearing simple attire, with meticulous details conveying aspects of his personality.
Technique & Style
Executed using mezzotint and engraving, the work showcases a technique popular in its time, requiring great skill to achieve nuanced tones and textures.
History & Provenance
Created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1808, the piece is now held within the Corcoran Collection.
Context
The artist's use of mezzotint and engraving reflects the technical preferences of the late 18th to early 19th century, with Saint-Mémin's work exemplifying this period's portraiture.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this portrait are not detailed, it remains a characteristic example of Saint-Mémin's skill in capturing contemporary figures through meticulous printmaking techniques.
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.
