Exhibit on view on Aug. 3 through Nov. 30
William Guy Wall (1792-1864), artist, John Hill (1770-1850), engraver; The Hudson River Portfolio includes a suite of famous aquatints.
This summer and fall Boscobel will display the suite of famous aquatints published in The Hudson River Portfolio. The exhibition consists of 20 hand-colored prints depicting an iconic view along the river from north of Troy south to Governor’s Island.
In 1820, Irish artist William Guy Wall (1792–1864) embarked on a comprehensive sketching tour of the Hudson River Valley. Master printmaker John Hill (1770–1850) engraved Wall’s watercolors for The Hudson River Portfolio, which was published in New York City by Henry I. Megarey between 1821 and 1825. Considered to be a foundation in the development of American printmaking and landscape painting, the Portfolio’s 20 topographical views follow almost the entire course of the Hudson River.
Curated by Steven Miller, Boscobel executive director, the portfolio is on loan from the Museum of the City of New York, where for 16 years Miller was curator of paintings, prints and photographs.
The Hudson River Portfolio was unusual for its day and set a precedent for such endeavors. The Hudson River Portfolio: A Beginning for the Hudson River School is open for viewing during regular business hours Aug. 3 through Nov. 30, 2014, and is free with Boscobel paid admission. Visit Boscobel.org or call 845-265-3638.
Image courtesy of Boscobel
