Lot 193: St. Memin Mezzotint Miniature Portrait of MS Gov. David Holmes

Charles B.J. Fevret de Saint Memin (French, 1770-1852) miniature circular mezzotint and engraved portrait of Mississippi Governor David Holmes (1769/70-1832), depicted in profile and wearing a coat with white cravat. Printed below image: “Drawn & Engr by S. Memin Philad.” Ref. Ellen Miles, “Saint Memin and the Neoclassical Profile Portrait in America,” The National Portrait Gallery, 1994 (p. 320-321, no. 420). Housed under glass in a black wood painted frame with gilt beaded sight edge. Sight: 2 1/2 in. diameter. Frame: 4 1/4 in. square. Circa 1799. Note: This lot is accompanied by a copy of a 1995 letter from then-Curator of the National Portrait Gallery, Ellen Miles, to the portrait’s late owner, Brenda Godsey, confirming that the engraving is the work of C.B.J. Fevret de Saint-Memin and the subject is David Holmes. (Another version of this miniature printed portrait is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, accession no. 2015.19.1584.13.4). David Holmes was a graduate of the College of William and Mary. He represented Virginia in Congress (1797-1809) and was then appointed governor of the Mississippi Territory. In 1817 he became the first Governor of the State of Mississippi, serving until 1820, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate (1820-1825).

PROVENANCE: The collection of Brenda Godsey, Florence, Alabama.

CONDITION: Print with light toning and fading, overall very good condition. Frame exhibits considerable losses to paint. Not examined out of frame.