Joseph Lewis, Jr.

Art Historical Context

This elegant profile print portrays Joseph Lewis, Jr., a prominent figure from Virginia, captured in 1805 by the-born artist Charles Balth Julien Févret de-Mémin (1770–1852). Saint-Mémin, who fled the French Revolution and settled in America, revolutionized portraiture with his innovative physiognotrace—a mechanical device that traced silhouettes with pinpoint accuracy. He then hand-colored and engraved these profiles, producing affordable yet refined prints that captured the likenesses of America's early leaders and elites. Created during the early years of the United States, this work reflects the young nation's fascination with self-presentation and identity. Profile portraits like this one were immensely popular, serving as status symbols and mementos exchanged among the gentry. Saint-Mémin's meticulous technique emphasized classical poise and detail, evoking ancient Roman cameos while documenting a burgeoning American aristocracy. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, this print offers a window into 19th-century Virginia society, highlighting how art bridged European traditions with New World ambitions. A testament to Saint-Mémin's enduring legacy, it invites us to ponder the faces shaping early American history.