Name/Title
Allegory of ArchitectureEntry/Object ID
VC.58.30 a-bDescription
a. Painting: Landscape with figures of two gentlemen and lady discuss building plans with architect in red coat who holds up a plan for them to examine: at right, pieces of columns, architectural tools, a ladder, scaffolding and two workmen; in background, grand Baroque colonnade crowned with balustrade and figures; at left, marble fountain in shape of temple exhibits statues of wrestling figures on roof, and two other figures pouring the water from jars into a shell pool, also in marble; title at bottom of print reads: "Printed for John Bowles and Son. ARCHITECTURE at the Black Horse in Cornhill." Monument is labeled "Milton". No signature of engraver.
b. Frame: Black molding and an inner "sanded-spandrel" gilded and carved edge. Minor chips and dents covered with black paint.Artwork Details
Medium
glass, varnish, Oil Paint, Ink, Glass, Varnish, Oil Paint, InkMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Richard HoustonAttribution
EngraverArtist
UnknownAttribution
ArtistManufacturer
John Bowles & SonDate made
circa 1750Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
See descriptionOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
VC.58.30 A & B
VC.58.30 A-B
VC.58.30a-b
Dimensions
Dimension Description
FrameHeight
14-5/8 inWidth
18-1/2 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 14 5/8 x 18 1/2 in. (37.1 x 47 cm)Dimension Description
Glzd. areaHeight
10 inWidth
14 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 10 x 14 in. (25.4 x 35.6 cm)Condition
Notes
Remarks: Details of condition: There are spots where the paint and varnish coat has pulled away from the glass.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Van Cortlandt FamilyNotes
Former ownerRelated Entries
Notes
VC.58.28 a-b - Painting - Part of set
VC.58.29 a-b - Painting - Part of set
VC.58.31 a-b - Painting - Similar item
VC.58.28 a-b - Painting - Similar item
VC.58.29 a-b - Painting - Similar itemGeneral Notes
Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
Miscellaneous: - Method.
The black print of a mezzotint engraving cemented to Crown or Bristol glass with oil of turpentine; paper removed in layers from the reverse, leaving only the ink lines and dots; oil color was applied from the reverse of glass; coat of mastic varnish on the transfer printed and painted glass was pplied in transparent and protective coat. (See Hughes).
The process was used from the late 17th century to about the 1770s. However, mezzotints were known in England as early as 1665 when Pepys mentions them in his diary.
Neg. no.: 83 (66.248)
Harry Shaw Newman of the Old Print Shop supplied an 18th century frame.Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Manor, Northeast Chamber/Catherine's