Patrick Lyon

James Akin

Patrick Lyon (1779-1829) was wrongfully seized and imprisoned for three months following a robbery at the Bank of Pennsylvania. Accused as an accomplice because he had manufactured the vault doors, Lyon was cleared of charges and awarded a large sum for damages when his counter-suit came to trial in 1805. Akin's print was probably made soon after the apprehension of the actual thieves and Lyon's release from prison in late 1798. John Neagle's portrait of the triumphant blacksmith, "Pat Lyon at the Forge" of 1829 (1842.1) recalls this moment of humiliation by showing the Walnut St. Jail in the background.
Artist
Date of Birth
(1773-1846)
Date
late 18th to early 19th centuries
Medium
Engraving and etching on gray laid paper
Dimensions
5 9/16 x 4 1/2 in. (14.12875 x 11.43 cm.)
Accession #
1876.9.2
Credit Line
John S. Phillips Collection
Category
Subject