[Untitled study drawing] Harvard College.

• Price: $15,000.00
  

  SKU: 102236

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• ARTIST: Alvan Fisher

• MEDIUM: Wash drawing, ink and graphite on paper.

  DATE: c.1820.

• EDITION SIZE: Paper size 9 3/8 x 12 1/2" (23.6 x 31.7 cm)

• DESCRIPTION: A fine gridded study ink wash drawing of Harvard. Although unsigned, this work is undoubtedly by Alvan Fisher, (1792-1863).<br><br> This view was likely produced by Fisher for consideration (but not used) by the Boston publishing firm of Cummings and Hilliard. In 1821 Cummings and Hilliard proposed via subscription that they produce “two Views of the Colleges in Cambridge; to be engraved in the line manner, and in a very superior style, from fine original pictures (executed expressly for this purpose) by Mr. Fisher.” Two paintings were completed and now are in the Harvard University collection.<br><br> The best description of the prints, paintings and drawings of the views is in “Views of Harvard” by Hamilton V. Bail. (Harvard University Press, 1949). In the description he states: The fine original pictures, executed expressly for the purpose, done in oil and measuring 27.4 x 19 inches, have for many years hung in the office of the President of the University, first in University Hall and latterly in Massachusetts Hall. They were included in the Harvard Tercentenary Exhibition and are listed as Nos. 399 and 400 respectively in the catalog. In this catalog they also went on the describe that the two engravings were made not from the oils but from india-ink copies executed by Fisher. It may be noted that Cummings & Hilliard’s second form of advertisement mentions “Sketches of two views.” No india-ink copies are known, but very recently pencil and wash drawings of the two views, measuring 15.4 x 10 inches, and squared off as if for copying, have been located, among a miscellany of sketches and notebooks in the house of the artist in Dedham.<br><br> It is possible and quite likely that this drawing came from the artist’s archive as it is a “squared off” drawing likely used for a painting. It is very similar in style and content. The drawing is gridded into 165 squares, with fifteen numbers along the lower edge with eleven going up the sides. There is a very similar wash drawing, same perspective, though not gridded in the collection at Harvard Art Museums, Fogg Museum, item 1968.17. Provenance list is as being in the collection of Mrs. Stanley Kimball of Dedham, sold to Vose Galleries than sold to the Fogg Museum. It is likely that this drawing came from the same collection as it was reported to have been sold by Vose in the 1960’s.<br><br>

• ADDITIONAL INFO: Framed in a gold leaf scoop molding with a French-lined panel mat. Overall framed size 16.25 x 19.5 inches. Image of overall framed piece can be sent upon request.

• CONDITION: Good condition save for remnants of glue in each corner.

• REFERENCE:

• CATEGORIES: 18th-19th Century Subjects , Drawings, Watercolors & Paintings