The Life and Career of John Megarey

John Megarey was an American artist, engraver, and publisher whose professional footprint in the United States was defined by a brief but concentrated period of activity. Born in 1818, he operated under the name Henry J. Megarey as well. His career was cut short by his death on May 14, 1845. While his lifespan was limited, his involvement in the production and distribution of prints established him as a functional part of the mid-19th-century American print market.

His work was centered on the technical demands of engraving and the commercial realities of publishing. He did not merely create images; he managed the lifecycle of prints, ensuring they reached an audience through his role as a publisher. This dual identity as both a creator and a distributor allowed him to navigate the specific visual economy of his time. His output reflects the practical, industrious nature of American printmaking during the 1830s and 1840s.

Key Works and Published Prints

Megarey’s output is defined by his role as a publisher and engraver, capturing the expanding urban and natural landscapes of the early nineteenth century. His work provides a technical record of a changing New York. In 1821, he published View near Jessup's Landing, a print that captures a specific topographical moment. This was followed by View Near Fort Montgomery in 1822 and Rapids Above Hadley's Falls between 1822 and 1823. These prints demonstrate a consistent interest in the intersection of water and terrain, documented through the precision of engraving and aquatint.

The breadth of his catalog extends from topographical views to portraiture. He published South St. from Maiden Lane in 1834, offering a street-level perspective of the city's infrastructure. His engagement with portraiture is evidenced by Mrs. Andrew McGown I (1766-1851), which dates to about 1837. Even as his career progressed, his involvement in significant publishing projects continued, such as the 1849 release of New York from the Steeple of St. Paul's Church, Looking East, South, and West. This work remains a primary visual reference for the city's mid-century skyline.

• View near Jessup's Landing (1821)
• View Near Fort Montgomery (1822)
• Rapids Above Hadley's Falls (1822-1823)
• South St. from Maiden Lane (1834)
• Mrs. Andrew McGown I (about 1837)
• New York from the Steeple of St. Paul's Church, Looking East, South, and West (1849)

Where to See the Works Today

The physical remains of Megarey’s output are distributed across several major American institutions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art maintains his works within its permanent collection, providing a direct link to his era of activity. For those examining his role as a publisher, the National Gallery of Art holds his published prints. These pieces offer a tangible connection to the mid-nineteenth-century printmaking landscape.

Local historical context is preserved at the New York Historical Society, which holds works by the artist. This collection places his output within the specific urban development of the period. Additionally, the New York Public Library Digital Collections features his prints, making his visual contributions accessible through digital archives. These various repositories ensure that his technical contributions to engraving and publishing remain available for study.