Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2010.9 |
Object Name |
Engraving |
Title |
The Race Bridge, Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia |
Artist |
Burton, Charles |
Artist 2 |
J. Andrews, engravers |
Date |
after 1830 |
Description |
Water Works and its surroundings as seen from the west. In the foreground is a dirt riverbank with green shrubbery and a hill sloping up to the left of the engraving. Two women sit on the river bank and a man paddles a boat on the right side. Behind him is Race Bridge with three arches that allow water to flow through and a white bird is seen resting on the water close to the right arch. Strolling across the bridge are a various groups of people with a white building with an orange roof at the right end of the bridge. In the center background is another white building with an orange roof. In the left background is a hill with people walking and a staircase on the right side of the hill. Atop the hill is a white gazebo. Under image, left: "Drawn by C. Burton." Right: "Engraved at J. Andrews's." At bottom: "THE RACE BRIDGE FAIR MOUNT WATER WORKS, PHILADELPHIA." |
Label |
The Fairmount Waterworks was an iconic landmark and tourist destination in 19th-century Philadelphia. Conceived by Frederic Graff, a former assistant to architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the Waterworks combined technological achievement with an aesthetically pleasing design. In 1822, pumping engines powered by waterwheels replaced the previous dangerous and inefficient steam engines at the Fairmount site, providing the city with safe, drinkable water from the Schuylkill River. The old Engine House became a restaurant to accommodate the multitude of tourists who visited the site. Due to its popularity, the Waterworks was depicted frequently in paintings, drawings, prints, and even on porcelain. Charles Burton originally drew this image for John Howard Hinton’s "The History and Topography of the United States of North America" (first edition 1830–32). |
Medium |
Engraving |
Dimensions |
H-6.75 W-8.75 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century landscape Philadelphia women |