Portrait of William T. Porter
Item
Title
Portrait of William T. Porter
Creator
Henry Inman
American, 1801–1846
American, 1801–1846
Date
1844
Materials
Graphite on paper
Description
A skilled portraitist, Henry Inman painted many of New York City’s politicians, businessman, and literary figures in the 1830s and ’40s. He probably became acquainted with journalist and editor William T. Porter there in the early 1830s. This portrait was included in the 1846 memorial exhibition for the artist. Writing the next year, Henry Tuckerman, a major critical voice of the era, thought the sketch achieved “a peculiar charm” by having been “executed off-hand.” Given from artist to sitter “as a feeble token of esteem,” according to Inman, it was an informal portrait born of friendship and mutual admiration.
Source
The John Driscoll American Drawings Collection
Identifier
2018.158
Rights
This image is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses may not be permitted.