Saint-Mémin Collection of Portraits, Group 12

Charles B. J. Févret de Saint-Mémin

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a grid of sixteen oval-framed portraits, each depicting a man's profile from the shoulders up. Each man is facing to the right, with varying facial features and hairstyles in powdered wig fashion, typical of the 18th century. They are dressed in high-collared coats with cravats or neckties. The names of the individuals are below each portrait. There are no visible accessories or objects. The background is plain, allowing the portraits to stand out. The portraits are organized neatly in rows on sepia-toned paper.