Who painted Family Pledge?

Family Pledge was painted by Joseph E. Baker in 1801.

Where can I see Family Pledge?

Family Pledge is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Family Pledge?

Family Pledge is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Family Pledge?

Museum-quality prints of Family Pledge are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Family Pledge

Joseph E. Baker , 1801

Family Pledge is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Joseph E. Baker. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in graphite: J.E. Baker del text in graphite: FROM THE FOUNTAINS OF TEMPERANCE FLOW MANY BLESSINGS / HOLY BIBLE / STUDY GODS WORD FOR SALVATI[ON] / INDUSTRY & CONTENTMENT / HEALTH HAPPINESS / HONESTY, FRUGALITY / PLEDGE / FILIAL-PIETY. RELIGION / BY FAMILY Union blessings come / Then fill the goblet to the brim, / With water pure and bright, / With water free and sparkling clear, / It gives a better light. / Then ruby wine or rich champagne / And comes from Heaven above / It is the beverage made by Him / Who rules by deeds of love. / FAMILY PLEDGE / Believing that the use of Intoxicating Liquors as a / beverage, destroys health, promotes vice & is Contrary to the Word of God we hereby agree / that by God's assistance we will abstain from the use of all INTOXICATING LIQUORS as a / beverage & from the use of TOBACCO & PROFANE LANGUAGE & will not manufacture or traffic in LIQUORS / or TOBACCO & that we will discontenance such manufacture, traffic & use by others. / PARENTS. / CHILDREN. / CHILDREN.

About this work

Overview

Family Pledge, a graphite and gray wash drawing on wove paper by Joseph E. Baker (1801), visually conveys a moralistic message through a composed family scene, blending didactic elements with serene imagery.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a family divided into two groups, each under virtues (Industry & Contentment with the father, Piety & Religion with the mother), united by a central fountain scene. The 'Family Pledge' banner and accompanying text explicitly advocate for temperance, salvation, and the avoidance of 'intoxicating liquors', linking moral rectitude with familial and religious values.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite and gray wash, the drawing's style, while not explicitly attributed to a movement in the provided facts, shares similarities with emerging Romantic ideals in its blend of moral narrative, symbolic nature (fountain, angels, vines), and emotive, yet restrained, visual language.

History & Provenance

Created in 1801 by Joseph E. Baker, specific details regarding the drawing's commission, exhibition history, or ownership changes are not provided.

Context

Emerging in 1801, 'Family Pledge' reflects the growing interest in moral reform and the role of family in societal virtue, themes that would gain prominence in the early 19th century. Its artistic approach aligns with the transitional period towards Romanticism, which emphasized emotion, morality, and the beauty of everyday life.

Legacy

The lasting impact or influence of 'Family Pledge' on subsequent artistic or moral movements is not detailed in the provided information, suggesting it may be more notable for its thematic and stylistic representation of its time rather than a direct legacy in art history.