Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1984.01 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Portrait of Robert Hare |
Artist |
Huntington, Daniel |
Date |
1857 |
Description |
Half length portrait of figure with rosy complexion, gray hair and gray chinstrap beard, facing to his right. Figure wears a black three-piece suit with a black bow tie and white shirt. Set on a red background. Inscribed "D. Huntington" on front lower left corner of the portrait. |
Label |
Robert Hare, the subject of this portrait, was a chemist, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and APS member. Born in Philadelphia, Hare showed an aptitude for chemistry, mechanics, and electricity from a young age. His many scientific inventions included an oxyhydrogen blowtorch, a calorimeter, and a deflagrator (which generated a high electrical current). He donated his apparatus collection to the Smithsonian Institution in 1849, upon his retirement from the University of Pennsylvania; many years later, a fire destroyed the collection. Considered to be one of the best chemistry professors in the United States, Hare was among the first great American scientists and inventors. Later in life, Hare’s spiritualism led to his invention of the “spiritoscope,” which he believed could allow people to communicate directly with the dead. Daniel Huntington, one of the most popular and well-respected painters of his day, executed this portrait of Hare. A leading portraitist in New York City, Huntington was also known for his spiritual and historical paintings and his affiliation with the National Academy of Design. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-37.25 W-32.375 inches |
Dimension Details |
Framed |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century painting scientist University of Pennsylvania APS President |