Pat Lyon at the Forge: Portrait of an American Blacksmith

Brigitte Weinsteiger, PSU Center for Medieval Studies

INTRODUCTION

The portrait of Pat Lyon by the artist, John Neagle, revolutionized the realm of American portraiture. It is the first known portrait depicting a laborer at work. Pat Lyon’s personal story, the social climate of early America, and his pride in being a working blacksmith formed the basis of his choice to be portrayed in this way. Pat Lyon at the Forge demonstrates not only a new style of painting and subject, but also a new attitude towards the laborer and his place in society.