Artwork
William Plumer
William Plumer 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 1806 portrait of William Plumer, a prominent American politician, is executed in mezzotint and engraving on wove paper, mounted to brown wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, William Plumer, is depicted in a seated position, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze. The portrait conveys a sense of realism, emphasizing facial and textile details.
Technique & Style
The artwork utilizes mezzotint and engraving techniques to achieve deep shading, enhancing the overall sense of realism and dimensionality in the portrait.
History & Provenance
Created by Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin in 1806, the portrait is part of the artist's oeuvre of likenesses of notable figures.
Context
Saint-Mémin's work, including this portrait, reflects the artistic trends of the early 19th century, particularly in the rendering of portraits of public figures.
Legacy
As part of Saint-Mémin's body of work, the portrait contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing detailed, realistic likenesses of contemporary notables.
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.
