William Walcott (from McGuire Scrapbook) 1817 - 1867

Alenson G. Powers made this pencil drawing of William Walcott in the United States sometime in the mid-19th century. It comes from a scrapbook of images related to a man named McGuire. The sketchbook format speaks to the democratizing function of antebellum art institutions. Art became something to take home, collect, and share with others. It suggests a new place for artistic imagery in everyday life. The drawing itself is a loose, casual, and intimate portrayal of its subject. It gives us a sense of the sitter’s personality. This aesthetic emphasis on individual expression reflects Romantic ideals about the uniqueness of the human spirit. To better understand the art of this period, we can consult historical sources such as exhibition reviews, artists’ letters, and institutional records. These resources enable us to see how art and society shape one another.