Possibly Charles Pinckney or Dr. George Wilson
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.74.39.9.6
Tags
Art Historical Context
This intriguing print from 1806, titled *Possibly Charles Pinck or Dr. George Wilson captures the refined profile of an early American figure, created by French engraver Charlesalthazar Julien Fév de Saint-Mémin1770–1852). Saint-Mémin, who fled the French Revolution and settled in the United States, became renowned for his precise portrait miniatures of the nation's elite during the Federal period. Saint-Mémin pioneered a novel technique using the physiognotrace, a mechanical pantograph device that traced sitters' profiles onto paper. He then hand-colored delicate watercolor profiles and engr...