Oliver Hazard Perry

Art Historical Context

**Oliver Hazard Perry** is a striking portrait print by engraver Henry Meyer, created around 1830-1840 and housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's National Portrait Gallery collection. Meyer, active in the early 19th century, in detailed reproductive prints that captured the likenesses of America's notable figures. This work honors Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the naval hero of the War of 1812, whose decisive victory at the Battle of Lake Erie in1813 turned the tide against British forces on the Great Lakes, earning him the Congressional Gold Medal. The print showcases Perry in full military regalia, complete with ornate epaulets, buttons, and his prestigious medal—symbols of valor and rank. His distinctive muttonchop sideburns add a personal touch, reflecting fashionable masculinity of the era. As a print, likely an engraving, it exemplifies the medium's role in democratizing portraiture: affordable and reproducible, these images allowed ordinary Americans to celebrate national icons in homes and taverns. This artwork underscores Perry's enduring legacy as a symbol of American resilience during a pivotal conflict that shaped the young nation's identity. Visitors will appreciate how such prints preserved history, blending artistry with patriotism in the Smithsonian's treasured collection.