Young America Making His Mark
ca. 1840–49
Medium
Color lithograph
Dimensions
image: 13 3/8 x 9 7/16 in. (34 x 23.9 cm) sheet: 17 13/16 x 13 1/2 in. (45.3 x 34.3 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Edward W. C. Arnold Collection of New York Prints, Maps and Pictures, Bequest of Edward W. C. Arnold, 1954
Accession Number
54.90.1110
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
"Young America Making His Mark" is a vibrant color lithograph from around 1840–49, created by an anonymous American artist during a period of burgeoning national pride. Produced as part of the Edward W. C. Arnold Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this print measures about 13½ by 9½ inches and captures the spirit of youthful ambition through its depiction of boys or young men, as suggested by its tags. The title evokes the era's optimistic vision of America as a dynamic, forward-looking nation. Lithography, the medium here, revolutionized printmaking in the 19th century by allowing affordable, colorful reproductions for wide distribution—perfect for patriotic imagery in homes and taverns. Color lithographs like this one often featured hand-applied tints, blending artistry with commercial appeal to celebrate American identity amid events like westward expansion and the Mexican-American War. This anonymous work reflects the "Young America" movement of the 1840s, a cultural push for progress, innovation, and Manifest Destiny. Its enduring presence in the Met's Drawings and Prints department highlights how such prints shaped public sentiment, making grand ideals accessible to everyday viewers. A charming snapshot of 19th-century optimism!