Item 16: Aquatint of the “Delaware Water-Gap,” by Thomas Birch and Asher B. Duran (removed to Black Box #1) , 1830
Item — Box: 21, Folder: 16
Dates
- Created: 1830
Creator
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Aquatint
Condition Note:
Okay.
Measurements:
9 in. x 7 ¼ in.
Title:
Delaware Water-Gap
Description:
This is an engraving of the Delaware Water Gap. Some people in the distance are seen in a boat, transporting livestock. Towards the foreground some more people are pulling their boat on shore. The Delaware Water Gap is located on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. The Gap is made up of the southern part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area that is now used for boating, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing.
This print was illustrated by Thomas Birch, engraved by Asher Brown Duran, and published by Illman & Elbrow. According to Valley Views of Northeastern Pennsylvania, by Gilbert S. McClintock, “Durand exhibited a painting of the Water Gap at the National Academy Exhibition in 1832.” Born on August 21, 1796 in Jefferson Village (now Maplewood), New Jersey, Asher B. Durand studied engraving with his father who was a watchmaker and silversmith. He apprenticed with Peter Maverick from 1812-1817. In 1817 he formed a partnership with his mentor and opened a branch of the firm in New York. Durand began informal study and drawing from plaster casts at the American Academy of Fine Arts in 1818. His work caught the attention of the Academy’s president, John Trumbull. Trumbull ultimately commissioned Durand to engrave his painting of The Declaration of Independence in 1820. Durand found his success and became a leading engraver, producing banknotes, book illustrations, portraits, and copies after other artists' works. Other works of art by A. B. Durand can be found at the National Gallery of Art’s Website.
Thomas Birch was born in 1779 in Warwickshire, England. He was known for his portrait and marine paintings. He traveled to the United States in 1794 and helped his father, William Birch, prepare a 29-plate collection of engravings called Birch’s Views of Philadelphia. This collection sold well and went into multiple editions. It inspired similar views of New York.
The date of the print has been ascertained by a comparison with a like manuscript on display digitally by The Met. Syracuse University provides an in depth exploration of Romanticism, including the production of this print and Durand’s work.
The date of the print has been ascertained by a comparison with a like manuscript on display digitally by The Met. Syracuse University provides an in depth exploration of Romanticism, including the production of this print and Durand’s work.
Location:
Delaware Water-Gap (Setting); New York (Publication location)
Transcription:
Drawn & Engraved by A.B. Durand
DELAWARE WATER-GAP.
Pub. by Illman & Elbrow N.York
Creator
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu