Robert Street Paintings

Robert Street was an American painter born in 1796 in Germantown, which is now part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is known for his contributions to the style of portraiture and history painting during the early to mid-19th century in the United States.

Street developed an interest in art at an early age and pursued his passion despite the lack of formal art institutions in Philadelphia at the time. He was largely self-taught, although he may have received some informal training from other local artists. His early works were often portraits, which was a popular genre that provided a steady income for artists during that time.

Throughout his career, Street exhibited his works at various institutions, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), where he also served as a director. His historical paintings often depicted scenes from American and British history, reflecting a nationalistic spirit that was prevalent during his era. One of his notable works is 'The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777', which exemplifies his historical narrative style.

Despite the popularity of his historical paintings, Street’s most reliable source of income remained portraiture, through which he captured the likenesses of many prominent figures of his time. His style was characterized by attention to detail and a strong sense of realism, qualities that were highly valued by his patrons.

Robert Street's career was also marked by the challenges of the changing art market in America. The rise of daguerreotype photography in the 1840s began to supplant traditional portraiture, and Street had to adapt to these changes. He continued to paint and exhibit his works, although with declining patronage.

Street passed away in 1865, leaving behind a legacy as one of the early American painters who contributed to the country’s cultural history. His works are a part of several collections and continue to be studied for their artistic and historical significance.