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Historical prints by the Sartain Family
[ Prints by John Sartain (large), (small) | Prints by Samuel Sartain | Prints by Emily Sartain | Prints by William Sartain ]
A touching image of a Civil War veteran recounting “How We Won The Battle” to a group of women, (including a grieving widow), children, and one older man. The absence of young men is telling, and the soldier’s lost leg and crutches poignant. A moving tableau, the print also shows much of the middle class American home: furniture, textiles, a portrait of George Washington, a newspaper on the floor, and an almanac tied to the window ledge. This image was based on a painting by Sartain’s friend, the noted Philadelphia artist Christian Schussele. $400
Samuel B. Waugh. "Lincoln and his Family." Philadelphia: Bradley & Co., 1866. 17 1/2 x 24 3/4 (image) 22 x 27 3/4 (full sheet). Mezzotint with engraving by William Sartain. Printed by Irwin & Sartain. Water stain along bottom edge of paper, with faint staining just into title area. Otherwise, an excellent impression in very good condition. Holzer et al., The Lincoln Image, Fig. 80.
This is one of most famous prints of Lincoln, a family portrait based on a painting of Samuel B. Waugh and engraved by William Sartain. This print was copied by many other nineteenth century print publishers, but none equaled the quality of this rich engraving. Lincoln is shown with his two sons and wife surrounded by elegant furnishings of the White House. The family is grouped around a covered table, upon which lie two books, including the Bible. Lincoln and Tad sit to the left, and above Lincoln’s right shoulder is a bust of George Washington, linking the martyred president with the ‘father of the nation.’ Outside the draped window is the outline of the Capitol dome, completed during Lincoln’s terms. Mary Lincoln sits to the right, and Robert stands in the center between his parents. Over Robert’s shoulder is a portrait of William Lincoln, who had died in 1862. At the time of its issue, this print was thought of as a first class example of print making, selling for as much as $20 for an artist’s proof, and $7.25 for a regular print. As Holzer, et al. remark, “In its day, the Sartain engraving was considered the best print portrait of the Lincoln family.” (p. 171) $950
Click here for a page with more prints of Abraham Lincoln.
G. [sic] Schussele. "Washington And His Family." Philadelphia: Bradley & Co., 1884. 17 3/4 x 24 3/4. Mezzotint by William Sartain. Excellent impression and fine condition.
A large steel mezzotint engraving by William Sartain of George Washington and his family. The 'Father of the Country' sits in uniform surrounded by his family and symbols of American life. On a table, center, lies a copy of the official plan of the City of Washington. To the right the General has laid aside his sword, and to the left is an olive plant representing peace. Martha sits across the table of Washington and her two grandchildren flank their step-grandfather. Coming in the door is Washington's servant, William Lee. The handsome figures with calm demeanors, rich clothing and furniture, and many symbols graphically illustrate the ideals of American life in the nineteenth century. $650
Click here for a page with more prints of George Washington.
[ Prints by John Sartain (large), (small) | Prints by Samuel Sartain | Print by Emily Sartain | Prints by William Sartain ]
©The Philadelphia Print Shop, Ltd. Last updated January 29, 2008
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