The Great Compromiser posed for artist John Neagle in 1842, prior to Clay's 1844 presidential campaign. Around that same time, engraver William Warner used the Neagle portrait for this mezzotint, incorporating a porthole design that symbolically recalled Rembrandt Peale's rendering of George Washington. Despite its nearly 200 years in existence, the all-important image area itself displays EX or better condition with no apparent restoration—not even in-painting. However, the 16-1/2" x 22-1/4" piece has been linen-backed and shows quite heavy restoration in the margins, such as numerous paper fills and sealed tears. Of Neagle's artistry, Clay himself commented, "I think you have happily delineated the character, as well as the physical appearance, of your subject."