In the Adirondack Mountains
- Date
- 1857
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- depicts
- New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- American Art
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 336
- Dimensions
- 30 1/2 x 39 3/8 in. (77.5 x 100 cm)
framed: 39 x 47 7/8 in. (99.1 x 121.6 cm) - Credit Line
- Bequest of Albert Blair
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 54:1933
NOTES
This landscape offers the viewer many points for contemplation. Among them are specific kinds of trees identifiable by their foliage, twisted branches that extend beyond the tree line, and rocks whose fissures and furrows have a geological accuracy. It is no surprise that the painting’s first owner was a prominent scientist and geologist, Joseph Leidy.
The scientific accuracy of these details is balanced by poetic interpretation. The close proximity of an eagle and a rainbow—a national emblem and a Biblical symbol—would have been understood as confirmation of divine purpose in this American wilderness. It affirmed the then-prominent belief that Americans were divinely called to bring their country’s rich, natural resources to cultivation. Today it might seem contradictory to appreciate a wilderness for the economic potential that will cause its eventual destruction.
The scientific accuracy of these details is balanced by poetic interpretation. The close proximity of an eagle and a rainbow—a national emblem and a Biblical symbol—would have been understood as confirmation of divine purpose in this American wilderness. It affirmed the then-prominent belief that Americans were divinely called to bring their country’s rich, natural resources to cultivation. Today it might seem contradictory to appreciate a wilderness for the economic potential that will cause its eventual destruction.
Provenance
by 1858 -
Dr. Joseph Leidy, Philadelphia, PA [1]
- 1931
Dr. Albert Blair (1840-1931), St. Louis, MO
1931 - 1933
Susan (Mrs. Albert) Blair (1856-1943), St. Louis, MO, bequest of Dr. Albert Blair [2]
1933 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, bequest of Dr. Albert Blair [3]
Notes:
[1] Dr. Joseph Leidy lent the painting to a 1858 exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts [Rutledge, Anna Wells, ed. "Cumulative Record of Exhibition Catalogues: The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1807-1870." Philadelphia: The American Philosophical Society, 1955, p. 182].
[2] Dr. Albert Blair stipulated in his will that upon his death the painting be given to the Saint Louis Art Museum but that his wife retain possession of the paintings as long as she lived in St. Louis [excerpt from the Will of Albert Blair, included in letter from Thomas R. Evans of the Mercantile Commerce Bank & Trust Co., dated November 17, 1931, SLAM document files]. The Museum did not accession the painting until 1933.
[3] Excerpt from the Will of Albert Blair, included in letter from Thomas R. Evans of the Mercantile Commerce Bank & Trust Co., dated November 17, 1931 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 3, 1931 and November 9, 1933.
Dr. Joseph Leidy, Philadelphia, PA [1]
- 1931
Dr. Albert Blair (1840-1931), St. Louis, MO
1931 - 1933
Susan (Mrs. Albert) Blair (1856-1943), St. Louis, MO, bequest of Dr. Albert Blair [2]
1933 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, bequest of Dr. Albert Blair [3]
Notes:
[1] Dr. Joseph Leidy lent the painting to a 1858 exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts [Rutledge, Anna Wells, ed. "Cumulative Record of Exhibition Catalogues: The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1807-1870." Philadelphia: The American Philosophical Society, 1955, p. 182].
[2] Dr. Albert Blair stipulated in his will that upon his death the painting be given to the Saint Louis Art Museum but that his wife retain possession of the paintings as long as she lived in St. Louis [excerpt from the Will of Albert Blair, included in letter from Thomas R. Evans of the Mercantile Commerce Bank & Trust Co., dated November 17, 1931, SLAM document files]. The Museum did not accession the painting until 1933.
[3] Excerpt from the Will of Albert Blair, included in letter from Thomas R. Evans of the Mercantile Commerce Bank & Trust Co., dated November 17, 1931 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 3, 1931 and November 9, 1933.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.