Charles Wilkes

Art Historical Context

This lithographic portrait, titled *Charles Wilkes* and produced around 1862 by the Louis Prang Lithography Company captures the stern visage of Rear Admiral Charles, a pivotal figure in American naval history. Active from 1856 to 1899, Prang's firm pioneered high-quality color lithography, making fine art reproductions accessible to a wide audience during the Civil War era. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's National Portrait Gallery collection, this exemplifies 19th-century illustration techniques, likely featuring patriotic symbols like the eagle to evoke national pride. Charl...