June 8–September 3, 2012
John J. Egan, Panorama of the Monumental Grandeur of the Mississippi Valley, c.1850; distemper on cotton muslin; 90 inches x 348 feet; Saint Louis Art Museum, Eliza McMillan Trust 34:1953
This summer, the Saint Louis Art Museum will resume an ambitious conservation project to save a historic treasure of local significance, the only surviving panorama of the Mississippi River. Working in the Main Exhibition Galleries, a team of conservators will complete the restoration of the 348-foot-long painting, again offering a unique, behind-the-scenes visitor experience. The Panorama of the Monumental Grandeur of the Mississippi Valley (c.1850) was commissioned by Dr. Montroville W. Dickeson and created by artist John J. Egan. While the subjects of Panorama vary widely across time and cultures, the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys serve as the backdrop for many of the 25 scenes. Dickeson exhibited Panorama in the 1850s, giving his own live narration.
With conservation led by Paul Haner, paintings conservator, and curatorial oversight by Janeen Turk, senior curatorial assistant, Restoring an American Treasure will be on view in the Main Exhibition Galleries free of charge from June 8 through September 3, 2012.
This restoration project is made possible through the support of U.S. Representative William "Lacy" Clay and U.S. Senator Christopher S. "Kit" Bond by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Financial assistance has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
