Open full image Pin

Family Pledge

Joseph E. Baker

1801

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Family Pledge is a 1801 graphite by Joseph E. Baker, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Joseph E. Baker
When & what style?: 1801 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a family making a promise to avoid alcohol and bad habits. At the top, a banner reads *"Family Pledge"* with words like *"Temperance"* and *"Salvation."* On the left, a father and children stand under *"Industry & Contentment,"* while on the right, a mother and kids gather near *"Piety & Religion."* In the center, a fountain spills into a stream where people fish and work, with angels and vines framing the scene. The text warns against *"intoxicating liquors"* and praises clean living, tying the pledge to faith and family. The mix of moral lessons and cheerful scenes makes it feel like a lesson wrapped in art. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style often blended emotion with moral messages.