Oliver Hazard Perry

Art Historical Context

Behold the striking portrait print *Oliver Hazard Perry* by Thomas Gimbrede created around 1817-20. This engraving captures the naval hero of the War of 1812 in his prime, adorned with an epaulet, telescope, and the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal—symbols of his valor and leadership. Gimbrede, a skilled engraver active in early American portraiture, immortalized Perry shortly after his triumph at the Battle of Lake Erie in1813, where his decisive victory turned the tide of the war on the Great Lakes. As a print from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, this work exemplifies the era's printmaking techniques, which allowed widespread dissemination of heroic images to inspire national pride. Prints like this were affordable and portable, transforming military figures into cultural icons and fueling patriotism in post-war America. Perry's stern gaze and starry emblem evoke the stars-and-stripes spirit, reminding visitors of how art commemorated the young republic's resilience. Displayed in the National Portrait Gallery, this piece invites us to reflect on the human stories behind history's turning points, blending artistry with enduring legacy.