Artwork
William Peter Van Ness
William Peter Van Ness 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
William Peter Van Ness is depicted in a formal portrait created in 1804 using mezzotint and engraving techniques on black wove paper, now mounted on brown wove paper and part of the National Gallery of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, William Peter Van Ness, is portrayed with a serious expression, dressed in formal attire. The level of detail in the portrait suggests an emphasis on capturing his likeness and social standing.
Technique & Style
The artwork utilizes mezzotint and engraving, a method involving scratching designs into a metal plate to achieve fine details and textures, evident in the intricate rendering of Van Ness's clothing folds.
History & Provenance
Created in 1804 by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin, the portrait is currently held in the collection of 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.
