Richard Rush

John Sartain: A Pioneer of Mezzotint Engraving in America

• Born: London, United Kingdom (October 24, 1808)
• Died: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (October 25, 1897)
• Nationality: British-American

Early Life and Training

• Sartain's early life was marked by hardship; he became responsible for his family’s support at a young age.
• He began working as an assistant scene painter at the age of eleven, gaining initial artistic experience.
• From 1823 to 1830, he apprenticed under engraver John Swaine, mastering line engraving and developing skills in heraldry and letter work.
• He studied painting under John Varley and Henry James Richter, broadening his artistic foundation.

Career and Artistic Development

• In 1830, Sartain emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, marking a pivotal shift in his career.
• Initially, he focused on portrait painting in oil and miniatures before dedicating himself primarily to engraving.
• He pioneered mezzotint engraving in America, reviving a technique that had been popular in England.
• His work for Graham's Magazine (1841-1848) significantly contributed to the publication’s success and established his reputation.
• Sartain became editor and proprietor of Campbell's Foreign Semi-Monthly Magazine (1843) and later, Sartain's Union Magazine (1849-1852), showcasing his editorial and publishing abilities alongside his artistic endeavors.
• He produced a vast quantity of plates for book illustrations throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable productivity.

Major Achievements and Notable Relationships

• Pioneering Mezzotint: Sartain is best known for re-establishing mezzotint engraving as a significant art form in the United States.
• Friendship with Edgar Allan Poe: A notable episode involved Sartain providing refuge to a distressed Edgar Allan Poe, who sought assistance and confided in him about perceived threats. This event led to the publication of Poe’s poem “The Bells” in Sartain's Union Magazine posthumously.
• Artistic Leadership: He held various leadership roles within Philadelphia's art community, including positions with the Artists' Fund Society, School of Design for Women, and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
• Centennial Exposition: Sartain served as director of the art department at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, earning recognition from the King of Italy with the title of Cavaliere of the Order of the Crown of Italy.

Legacy and Historical Significance

• Sartain’s dedication to art education and his contributions to various artistic institutions helped foster a vibrant cultural landscape in Philadelphia.
• His revival of mezzotint engraving ensured its continued presence in American art, providing a valuable technique for reproducing paintings and creating original prints.
• The Sartain family's legacy extended beyond John himself, with several of his children also pursuing artistic careers, further solidifying their impact on the American art scene.
• His autobiography, Reminiscences of a Very Old Man (1899), provides valuable insights into his life and career.