Artwork
William Lee
William Lee 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.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1807, this black-and-white print presents a profile portrait of William Lee, the 16th‑century inventor of the stocking‑frame knitting machine.
Created in 1807, this black-and-white print presents a profile portrait of William Lee, the 16th‑century inventor of the stocking‑frame knitting machine. Executed by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint‑Mémin, the work combines mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted on a brown backing. The image emphasizes Lee’s role in early textile engineering through a restrained, formal composition.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is rendered in strict profile, his facial features accentuated by a pronounced nose and a set jaw that convey resolve. The serious expression aligns with Lee’s reputation as a determined innovator whose machine transformed garment production. By focusing on these traits, the portrait underscores the connection between personal character and technological achievement.
Technique & Style
Févret de Saint‑Mémin employed a hybrid process: mezzotint provided rich tonal gradations, while engraving added fine line work for detail. The use of wove paper, both as the print surface and as a brown mounting, creates a uniform background that draws attention to the figure. The combination of these printmaking methods was typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture, allowing subtle modeling without color.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the French atelier of Saint‑Mémin, a noted portraitist who worked extensively for American and European patrons. Though the original plate no longer exists, surviving impressions are held in several museum collections, reflecting the continued interest in Lee’s contribution to industrial history and in Saint‑Mémin’s skill as a printmaker.
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.
