Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2010.15 |
Object Name |
Engraving |
Title |
Fairmount Water Works |
Artist |
Doughty, Thomas |
Artist 2 |
Hill, John |
Date |
after 1826 |
Description |
Landscape portrait of the Fairmount Water Works. In the foreground is a hill with trees in the right and left foreground. Behind the hill is the Schuylkill River with a person in a long boat, partially obscured by green shrubbery. Behind the boat is a wooden bridge occupied by about six people, cutting through the river. The rest of the river spans out from the bridge with a couple of boats in the water and a dam on the left side of the river. The white water works are visible beyond the river with eight arched openings and the mill house. Set behind the water works are hills dotted with trees and large clouds in the sky. Below image: "Painted by T. Doughty. Engraved Printed & Coloured by I. Hill/Fair Mount Water Works./ Dedicated to the Select and Common Councils of the City of 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, and prints. John Hill executed this engraving after an 1826 painting by Philadelphia lithographer and landscape painter Thomas Doughty. |
Medium |
Engraving |
Dimensions |
H-16.25 W-23 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century women landscape Philadelphia |