Lambdin, J.R. “John Tyler. President of the United States”

J.R. Lambdin. “John Tyler. President of the United States.”

Philadelphia: William Smith, ca. 1880. Mezzotint by John Sartain. 20 1/2 x 14 3/8. Strong impression. Wide margins. Very good condition. 

A handsome portrait of John Tyler produced by the mezzotint process by John Sartain (1808-1897). Sartain, known as the “father of mezzotint engraving” in the U.S. popularized this elaborate printmaking process when he emigrated to this country from England in 1830. His prints always have a strong and rich texture that enhances their aesthetic qualities considerably, and the images are always historically accurate. This combination makes prints by Sartain most desirable, and this example is no exception. It is a fine example of American historical portraiture.