H. Berton
Edme Quenedey
French
1809
A small oval profile portrait of H. Berton executed as a physionotrace engraving in 1809, where the artist used a tracing device and delicate engraving to produce a precise likeness.
The sitter’s sharply modeled profile—curly hair, pronounced nose, and a high, starched cravat—appears to float against a dark, stippled oval, the fine dots and lines lending an intimate, almost tactile quietness to skin and cloth.
Part of the physionotrace tradition that bridged hand drawing and mechanical reproduction, this work reflects early nineteenth‑century efforts to standardize portrait making and anticipates photographic concerns with accurate likeness.
Medium
Physionotrace engraving
Dimensions
9 1/2 × 7 3/8" (24.2 × 18.8 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of John Parkinson III
Accession
325.1982
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
![Portrait of an Actor (Félix Barré) [Portrait de un acteur (Félix Barré)]](https://www.moma.org/media/W1siZiIsIjIxMTQ0NyJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZlcnQiLCItcmVzaXplIDEwMjR4MTAyNFx1MDAzZSJdXQ.jpg?sha=5dcab83c475edbfb)
