A Front View of the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Conn.

PrinterPrinted by Kellogg & Hanmer American, 1844 - 1845

PublisherPublished by Kellogg & Hanmer American, 1844 - 1845

Date1845

MediumLithography; printer's ink, watercolor, and graphite on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 10 1/2 x 13 3/4in. (26.7 x 34.9cm)
Sheet (height x width): 14 3/4 x 21 9/16in. (37.5 x 54.8cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of the heirs of J. F. Morris

DescriptionFront elevation of the Wadsworth Atheneum, a stone Gothic revival museum building with square towers flanking the main entrance which is recessed behind flattened pointed arches. Windows appear to contain leaded glass and have hood molds with corbel stops. Crenellations line the roof. Lettering in the gable over the front entrance reads: "1842 / WADSWORTH ATHENEUM".

Object number1900.5.1

InscribedOn recto, lithographed title beneath image, "A FRONT VIEW OF THE WADSWORTH ATHENEUM, HARTFORD, CONN. / This building contains a Library, belonging to the Young Men's Institute, the Wadsworth Picture Gallery, together / with a Library, and Collection of Antiquities, belonging to the Connecticut Historical Society."

On verso, in pencil: upper left, "Print / Box 2 / #24"; lower right, accession number, "consv. CPC 1987" and "Dwr 23".NotesSubject Note: The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the United States, was completed in 1844 to the designs of Ithiel Town and Alexander Jackson Davis.

Technique Note: The tops of all four towers have been modified with pencil, apparently by a competent draftsman, suggesting that this could be an early proof of the print. (Finlay 12/20/2002)

Subject Terms