User:Harrymcgrath10/sandbox

Work in America
John James Barralet moved to Philadelphia in December 1794. There he was introduced to Robert Field, who was the creator of a watercolour portrait of Thomas Jefferson, David Edwin, the creator of two engravings of Jefferson, and George Isham Parkyns, for whom TJ went on to write a recommendation letter in 1800. Barralet struggled to make a living painting and drawing in the United States, He spent the majority of his time thus refining the engraving technique, illustration, and engraving itself. For his black chalk and pen sketch of Volney, which was thought to be the inspiration for an engraving that was printed in 1796, TJ paid Barralet five guineas. The piece was hung by TJ in the Monticello parlour among the portraits that were on the walls.

Barralet honoured the late George Washington with a commemorative engraving in January 1802. The engraving depicts Father Time and Immortality raising Washington from his tomb and assisting him in his ascent. At the very left, Faith, Hope, and Charity are grouped together. In the bottom register, two rattlesnakes, an eagle, and Liberty with her cap perched atop a pole are joined by an American Indian. The engraving underwent four printings during the nineteenth century because of how well-known it was. However, the majority of contemporary viewers found this Barralet painting to be both intriguing to consider and indecipherable. Barralet was merely one of many who honoured Washington's memory after his passing, and not all works did so by using allegory. In a simplistic engraving that Pember and Luzarder published in 1800, Washington is seen being treated by medical professionals.

Barralet originally found work as a book illustrator in Philadelphia. His drawings, including one depicting the "First Landings of Columbus," which earned excellent appreciation, were on display in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He created an engraving and bust portrait of "American Ornithology" author Alexander Wilson. Additionally, his name can be seen on the engraving by R. Fields of Walter Robinson's 1795 painting of Washington. He is credited with creating or introducing the first ruling machine for engravers in America as well as with improving the ink used in copper-plate printing.