Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon
Accession Number
S/NPG.74.39.4.47
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
In 1802, French-born artist Charles Balthazar Févret de Saintémin created this striking print portrait of P. Morell, capturing the sitter's profile with remarkable precision. Saint-Mémin, who fled the French Revolution and settled in America, became renowned for his innovative approach to portraiture during the early republic era. Working primarily in Philadelphia, New York, and, D.C., he produced thousands of such images for America's emerging elite, documenting a young nation's leaders and citizens. The artwork exemplifies Saint-Mémin's signature technique: using a mechanical device called ...