19th Century Oil Portrait of President John Tyler as a Congressman

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19th Century Oil Portrait of President John Tyler as a Congressman

About the Item

19th century oil portrait of U.S. President John Tyler as a young congressman. Tyler served as a Congressman from 1816 to 1821 (and also as Virginia's Governor from 1825 to 1827, Senator from 1827 to 1836, and as President from 1841-1845). Although the work is unsigned, this is quite probably a Masonic portrait. Notably, Tyler is portrayed with a bible and thumb partially hooked in his jacket, fingers arranged in a deliberate Freemason's hand gesture. The Masonic influence in early American politics was widespread, as many of the founding fathers were members. It was a very closed and covert society however, and its fellows did not openly utter their affiliations in public, rather relying on designated handshakes and other subliminal cues to reveal themselves to other members. It was this degree of secrecy that led to suspicion of corruption and the formation of the first alternative party in the United States, the Anti-Masons. This evolved to the Whig Party, ironically, under which Tyler ran for vice-president with William Henry Harrison. The use of Masonic hand signals in gentlemen’s portraiture was not unusual at the time and was intended to deliver a coded message of fraternity, almost invisibly, in plain sight of the uninitiated viewer. Most notably, Napoleon and George Washington, both Masons, are often portrayed with one hand hidden in a coat breast, a symbol with biblical significance that recognized a master of the Second Veil. Tyler would not likely have reached such a level at the young age of congressman, but nonetheless chose to depict himself as an important and ambitious member of standing. As framed, measures 37" x 30.25", canvas is 30.25" x 24".

Dimensions:
Height: 37 in (93.98 cm)Width: 30.25 in (76.84 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Style:
American Classical (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Canvas,Paint
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Early 19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Canvas is in fine condition and has undergone full professional conservation. Frame has visible wear.
Seller Location:
Peabody, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU88808142453