Artwork
William Howison
William Howison is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print, created using mezzotint and engraving techniques, depicts William Howison. It is executed in black on wove paper, mounted to a brown wove paper backing.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait shows William Howison seated, turned to the right, with a gentle expression. His simple attire is rendered in detail, with subtle shading on his face, capturing his likeness.
Technique & Style
The artist employed mezzotint, a technique involving the roughening of a metal plate to achieve tonal variations, to create this portrait. Mezzotint was a favored method for portraiture during this period, allowing for rich, nuanced representations.
History & Provenance
The original portrait was painted in 1806 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin. The painting is now held by the National Gallery of Art.
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.
