A Favorite Painting 6

John Neagle, Pat Lyon at the Forge" 1826-27

A classic representation of the Republican Ideal at action in art. This portrait of a working man not only celebrates the work ethic celebrated in the early years of the nation's history, but also hints at how the system is set up to encourage second chances. The building seen through the window in the upper left is a prison-- a place previously inhabited by Lyon, before he emerged to become a successful blacksmith and businessman, successful enough to commission the painting. But instead of employing the traditional trappings of success for his "sitting," he chooses to both acknowledge his past difficulties and demonstrate that the success came as a result of hard work. A great example of how American artists of that generation were re-defining the terms of artistic representation to reflect the ideals of their society.