Dr. Samuel A. Bemis 1837 - 1840

Alvan Clark, an artist known for painting portraits of eminent Americans, created this miniature painting of Dr. Samuel A. Bemis. During the 19th century in the United States, portraiture became very popular. The rise of a middle class with disposable income meant that more people could now participate in the art market. At the same time, institutions such as the National Academy Museum and School were founded to foster a uniquely American art. Clark was a graduate of the Academy and worked within these institutional frameworks of art. The small size of this portrait is also typical of this period, as miniature paintings were often worn as jewelry or kept as mementos. Such portraits may be understood as tools for social mobility. One can imagine them being displayed in the home to signal the owner's wealth and sophistication. As art historians, it is important to consult a variety of sources such as letters, diaries, and financial records to contextualize the cultural meanings of such artworks.