Comegys

1798-1803

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

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

Artist, French, 1770 - 1852

The image displays a profile portrait of a man's upper body and head. He is seated with his body turned slightly to the side while facing forward. The man's facial features consist of a prominent nose, high forehead, closely set eyes, and styled back, voluminous, wavy hair. He has no visible facial hair. He is dressed formally in a high-collared garment, possibly a coat, and a large cravat or neckcloth around his neck. The background is dark, with the name "Comegys" below the image.

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): 6.83 × 6.19 cm (2 11/16 × 2 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.19.1584.53.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Miles 1994, no. 190

Associated Artworks

See all 15 artworks
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.

William Armstrong

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

1797

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

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. 303.

1940

  • Catalogue of Engraved Portraits by Favret de Saint Memin, 1770-1852. Washington, DC: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1940, p. 11.

1994

  • Miles, Ellen G. Saint-Mémin and the Neoclassical Profile Portrait in America. Washington, DC: National Portrait Gallery, 1994, p. 276, no. 190.

Inscriptions

lower center mount in black ink by unknown hand: Comegys

Wikidata ID

Q77262600

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