William Armstrong

1797

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

Associated Names
Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

Artist, French, 1770 - 1852

The image shows a side-profile portrait of a person from the chest up, facing to the right. The individual has distinct facial features such as a prominent nose and chiseled jawline, along with a smooth complexion. The hair is mid-length and slightly wavy, tied back with a black ribbon into a low ponytail. The person is dressed in a dark coat with visible lapels and a high-collared white shirt, accompanied by a cravat. There are no visible jewelry or objects in the image. The background is a simple, dark tone with an oval shape framing the head and shoulders. The outer area surrounding the oval frame has a light, neutral tone, adding depth to the portrait.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint and engraving in black on wove paper mounted to brown wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection (Gift of William Wilson Corcoran)

  • Dimensions

    image (irregular): 5.56 × 5.56 cm (2 3/16 × 2 3/16 in.)
    sheet (trimmed to plate): 6.67 × 6.19 cm (2 5/8 × 2 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.19.1584.53.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Miles 1994, no. 15

Associated Artworks

See all 15 artworks
This image shows fifteen round cameo-style portraits of individuals in profile from the side, focusing on their heads and shoulders. Each person appears to be seated and displaying distinct facial features and hairstyles typical of the late 18th or early 19th century. Most individuals are men wearing formal attire, including high collars, cravats, and in some cases, military uniform elements such as epaulettes. One woman is depicted wearing a headwrap with curly hair. The portraits are monochromatic and presented in a grid over a cardboard backing. The backgrounds in the portraits are plain or softly shaded, emphasizing the individuals depicted. The cardboard backing contains text, presumably identifying some of the individuals by names like "Comeagues" and "Tarleton Bates."

Saint-Mémin Collection of Portraits, Group 53

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

1797

The image is a profile portrait showing the upper body of a man from the chest up. He is positioned with his side facing the viewer, looking to the right. The man has short, curly hair that extends to the back of his neck. His facial features include a prominent nose, defined lips, and a strong chin. He is wearing a high-collared coat with epaulettes on the shoulders adorned with tassels and a bow at the nape of his neck. The coat is buttoned with a detailed design featuring contrasting trim and buttons. The background is a simple oval frame.

Unidentified Colonel of the French Infantry

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

1797

The image is a portrait shown in profile, depicting the upper half of a man's body. He is positioned facing to the right within a circular frame. The man has distinct facial features characterized by a prominent nose and chin, and his hair is styled back and tied at the nape of his neck. He is wearing a high-collared garment, with a white cravat around his neck, and a coat fastened with visible buttons. The background is a simple, dark tone that contrasts with the lighter tones of his clothing and skin, enhancing the profile view.

Unidentified Man

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

1798

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

the artist, Dijon, France; Léon Victor Raoul Leclerc, Vicomte de Juigné (the artist's nephew), Dijon, France, 1852; (Henry Stevens, London, England, c. 1859); William W. Corcoran, Washington, DC, c. 1874; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1875; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1862

  • Dexter, Elias. The St. Memin Collection of Portraits; Consisting of Seven Hundred and Sixty Medallion Portraits, Principally of Distinguished Americans. Elias Dexter: New York, 1862, no. 8.

1994

  • Miles, Ellen G. Saint-Mémin and the Neoclassical Profile Portrait in America. Washington, DC: National Portrait Gallery, 1994, p. 239, no. 15.

Wikidata ID

Q77262592

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