History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 55

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976

USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 55

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ROY AUDY, a portrait-painter of rather feeble talent, made his temporary residence here in the year 1833. fle painted a few pictures, among which was a full-length portrait of Hlou. Elisha Johnson. one of our most prominent citizens. This was a very showy work, and attracted some attention. Mr. Audy soon lett, and has not since visited the city profe -- ionally.

VINCENT P. SHAVER, a portrait-painter of more than ordinary talent, resided here from about the year 1833 t , 1838. He had a remarkable eye for color, his pictures were well drawn, and he generally succeeded in giving true expres- sion of the character of his subjects. He painted the head of General Vincent Matthews for the members of the bar, which was engraved ou steel, and presented to Mr. O'Reilly for his " Sketches of Rochester," and appeared in that work.

ALVAR BRADISH practiced the art of portrait-painting here from the year 1837 to about 1847. He painted a large number of heads. He was a man of' decided ability, and produced works of great merit. He may be regarded as the peer of any artist who has ever made his residence here. Among some of his best heads are those of Silas O. Smith, Dr. Levi Ward, and Orland Hastings. Mr. Bradish spent a winter in Montreal at the time Sir John Metcalf was governor- general of Canada, and who sat for his portrait, which was so highly prized as fo be engraved on steel, large size ; this addled Lirgely to Mr. Bradish's reputation as an artist. Fle returned here, and after a few months left for Jamaica, West Indies. Ile was somewhat visionary in his ideas for promoting art. He was the author of a grand scheme, the seemtul enterprise here in the way of an art gal- lery. A society was formed, and consent of the city authorities given to the erce- tion of a building on Centre Square for the purpose, but the enterprise did not meet with a liberal response in the way of contributions, and Mr. Bradich leavies the city about that time, the project was abandoned and the association dissolved. Mr. Bradish returned here again about the year 1565, with a fine collection of tropical fruits, several of winch were sold.

141

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

R. B. SMITH was a contemporary of Mr. Bradish, and is still a resident of the city. He has for many years practiced portrait-painting. He has produced many good likenesses. Mr. Sunth has high claims for respect as an artist, as he has thorough theoretical knowledge of his professiun, and is a luver of art. He has painted a large number of heads here, which generally reflect credit upon him as an artist

COLLY KIMBALL came here about the year 1835, having in charge an exhibi- tion, which was given in the old court-house, at twenty-five cents admission. The show consisted of several paintings. The most attractive feature of the show, however, was a live alligator. Mr. Kimball concluded to remain here, and soon began painting portraits. He was an indefatigable worker. Of the sixty portraits of the old pioneers now hanging in our court-house. I think he painted the largest number. As likenesses, they are generally conceded good. Mr. Kimball moved from here to Chicago some years since, and I am iuformed hay been quite suc- cessful in his profession.

THOMAS LE CLEAR had a studio in the Arcade about the year 1858 or 1859. While here the young artist gave indications of that talent which has since placed him at the head of his profession in this country. He painted a few heads. The only one I can now recall is that of Hubbard S. Allen, who was at that time a clerk in the post-office, nearly under Le Clear's studio.

As Le Clear became identified with our city in his early efforts, it is with pride I copy from Tuckerman a few lines in reference to his success as an artist :

" Among the comparatively few Amerieno portrait-painters who have steadily progressed in their art is Thomas Le Clear. To his native faculty for imitation, Le Clear now unites a remarkable power of characterization, a peculiar skill in coloring, and minute accuracy in the reproduction of latent as well as superficial personal traits," etc., etc.

JOHN PHILIPS, the now celebrated artist of Chicago, was in his youth a farmer- boy on the farm of H. N. Langworthy, in the town of Greece, in this county. MIr. P. was a pupil of Le Clear in the year 1839. He soon left for the west, where he has succeeded in ins profession to an eminent degree. He has visited us for a few months at intervals, and has done a considerable nnumber of fair heads. Mr. P. paints with a rapid, free, and bold hand, often producing remarkably fue effects in relief. I have known him to paint a portrait in five hours which would require as many days, if not weeks, with some artists. When he chooses to devote time to the careful expression of draperies, he can hardly be excelled. As a successful Rochester boy, he deserves honorable mention in our sketches.

EUGENE SINTZNICH, a landscape-painter, came here about the year 1810. Mr. S. possessed fair talents as an artist, and was also considered a good teacher in drawing and painting. He was employed by Mr. Wm. A. Reynolds to paint views of Niagara on the walls of the entrance to the Arcade. These paintings for many years attracted much attention. He died here in the year 1852.

JOHN BOWMAN came here, in 1841, from western Pennsylvania, and opened his studio as a portrait-painter in the Arcade. He was an artist of more than ordinary ability. He painted a few very fine heads; among which was one of the Rev. Dr. Whitehouse. Among the fine paintings which adorned his studio was a full-length portrait of Thorwaldsen, the great sculptor, holding in his hands the mallet and chisel of his profession. MIr. B. had the advantage of European study. When he came here he had but recently returned from Italy. Having the acquaintance and confidence of the congressman of his district, be obtained from President Van Buren an appointment of bearer of dispatches to Europe, which, of course, gave him a free passage and expenses borne by the government. While in Italy he became acquainted with Thorwaldsen, and painted the above-named picture from life. Mr. R. had fine musical talent,- played the guitar, and sang exquisitely. After about a year our community was one morning terribly shocked in learning of the sudden death of this estimable artist. He was found dead in his bed at his boarding-place,-the old Mansion House. His funeral was largely attended by our citizens and the artists of the city,-eight of whom were his pall bearers. A few years later the portrait of Thorwaldsen was found in John Thompson's frame-shop, by a well-known citizen, #hn, supposing it to be the portrait of a blacksmith, and hence an appropriate. present for Wm. Kidd (who had then recently gone into the furnace and engine manufacturing business), bought and sent it to his othee, where it now hangs, in the quesession of Mr. Terry, his successor.

HARRY B. BRENT came here about the year 1840. He painted several fine landscapes from nature; one in particular attracted great attention, " The Resi- dence of Webster, at Marshfield." Another, a composition of singular merit, Ipriented an imaginary view of the scenery of the Genesee at Rochester, one hundred years ago. Mr. Brent married here a daughter of the late Dr. Backus. Hle left Rochester about the time of the breaking out of the war, and went south, from whenco he originally entoe.

JAMES CLEVELAND practiced the art of landscape-painting here about the

year 1840. He also taught drawing and painting. He was a man of five ability, and did much to increase the taste as well as to develop a knowledge of his art in the higher sense of the terin. His paintings were deservedly popular for their artistic merit.

JAMES HARRIS came here about the year 1845. He opened a studio in the Arcade as a landscape-puinter and teacher, where he remained for many years. He had many pupils at different times; in fact, for years was the only permanent teacher here. He had the singular faculty of inspiring the minds of his pupils with the idea that he was a master in his profession ; hence he was quite success- ful as a teacher. Ile was modest and retiring in his manner. He died here, having the personal regard of his pupils and acquaintances.

T. G. GALE practiced his art as a portrait- and figure-painter here about the year 1843, and for four or five years later. Mr. G. had great versatility of talent. He practiced nearly all branches of painting, often attempting large historical and Scriptural works. In some respects he may be regarded as quite successful, although his range of work was altogether too extended to allow him to achieve great triumphs in any one particular line.

A. D. BEECHER came here about the year 1863. He received his early in- struction from Colly Kimuball. Possessing native genius, he soon touk to his own methods in painting. He is an excellent colorist, and produced pleasing pictures as well as excellent likenesses in portraity. His genre paintings, fruit and flower pieces, showed talent. He removed to Chicago about eight years since, where he sooo entered upon a most successful career in portrait-painting.

ISAAC E. WILBUR was born near Avon, Livingston county. Ile early ex- hibited talent for an artist. He came to Rochester about the year 1860, and commenced the practice of landscape-painting, in which he has steadily progressed until be has now attained an enviable position as an artist. His pictures exhibit correct drawing and pleasing coloring, as well as couscientious and paiostaking care in detail. As a teacher, he is evidently successful, and has undoubtedly ex- ercised a correct influence on the taste of bis pupils.

MISS ETELEN R. SEARLE, the daughter of Henry Searle, eatly evinced a de- cided talent for painting. About the year 1865, she began puinting small fruit and game pictures. These early attempts were thoroughly artistic, and soon gave her a reputation as a careful student of nature. She was selected as a teacher in drawing and painting for the Bryan Female Seminary, at Batavia, where she remained for several terms, filling her position with rare ability, and continually progressing in her art studies, until her ambition to place herself in the front ranks of her profession cansed her to seek instruction in European schools of' art. She had excelled in fruit-painting, and hence she left for Europe to find in Preyor. -- the leading artist in Germany iu that line of' urt .- at Dusseldorf, a master under whose fostering care she could acquire the practice she so earnestly desired. Her talent was appreciated by her master, and, by her devotion to her chosen pro- fession, she soon produced works of exceeding beauty and delicacy, truthful to nature, exquisite in drawing and color, and of snch thorough artistic character as to command large and remunerative prices. She is a finished artist, and reflects great eredit, not only upon her native city, but as a representative of the female artists of our country.

Miss M. LOUISE WAONER, a native of Norwich, New York, received the rudiments of art from her brother, Daniel Wagner. They moved to Rochester and opened a studio, at 95 Reynolds' Arcade, in 1873. Previously they re- sided in Utica, Ithaca, Owego, and other large villages; but in the fall of 1844 located in the city of Albany, where they began a successful career in miniature portraiture on ivory. These were highly esteemed as art gems, and antong their patrons were Martin Van Buren, Gerritt Smith, Millard Fillmore. Daniel Webster, William H. Seward, and many other distinguished men of that period. In 1861 the Wagners opened a studio in New York city, where they remained until shortly before their removal to Rochester. In later years they have applied themselves mostly to portraiture in oil, and landscape, fruit, and flower painting. Strictly conscientious in all that pertains to their profession. they have secured an extended reputation, and exercised a healthful influence upon the growth of art in this city.

CHRISTOPHER W. FORKEL., whose studio is in Powers' block, is a portrait- painter. He is " to the manor born ;" he was a Rochester boy, who, after spend- ing several years in New York and Europe, has returned here and become a test- dent artist. Mr. Forkel is eminently powerful in portraiture, and also paints genre pictures of fruit, etc., which reflect credit on him as a most promising young artist.

JOHN W. MILLER, a resident artist, has acquired an enviable reputation as a painter of flowers from nature. A recent work, a large flower-piece, now in the possession of' George Ellwanger, is a mwst creditable production. Mr. Miller is also s freseo-puinter, and exceutes work in that department of art with great skill and refined taste.

142

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

There are a few artists who have visited Rochester, and spent a few months here, wbo have left goud works in the hands of our citizens, as their future monu- ments. There are also other resident artists here, such as B. S. Mixer. Frank Oertel, Mrs. C. E. Wolsey, Mrs. E. V. Dawson, Win. A. Duncan. Miss Maggie Ballentine, C. J. Jester, etc., of whom it would be proper to speak, and many of whom deserve to be favorably mentioned, Unt, for want of proper data as well as space in these already extended series of sketches, the writer is compelled to close this department of his reminiscences.

THE ROCHESTER ACADEMY OF ART

was established in the fall of 1874, its object being the promotion of the fine arts. The institution has now been in existence less than two years. during which time it has had three respectable exhibitions, and has opened a school of design. which - has met with fair success. Also, during last winter, it gave to its members and the citizens who desired to attend a course of six lectures on theoretical and prac- tical art topics. This institution is now occupying (by permission of the " Board of Education") the large hall of the " Free Academy" and adjoining rooms, for the " School of Design."

EARLY ART EXHIBITIONS.

It was the enstom, some thirty or forty years ago, to have meritorions works of art carried about the country and exhibited. Long before any suitable exhibition hall was erected bere, the court-house and ball-rooms of our hotels were used for such purposes. About the year 1843, a fine collection of European paintings, including a full-length portrait of George IV., by Sir Thomas Lawrence, was ex- hibited in the court-house. A little later, the great painting known as Page's " Venus" was exhibited in the National Hotel ball-room, Still later, the first and only piece of sculpture ever exhibited here. Powers' .. Greek Slave," was shown in a small hall in a building where the City bank now stands. An amusing inci- dent occurred at this exhibition. One of our first ladies took ber dangliter to see the work. After passing up to it, her modesty became so thoroughly shocked that she drew her handkerchief, covered her face, took her daughter by the hand, and left the room, disgusted. This was long before European travel and art cx- bibitions had familiarized our " dilettanti" with the sight of nude paintings or sculpture.

Io the year 1848, Mr. William A. Reynolds erected the Corinthian Hall building, which was often used for exhibiting paintings, panoramas. etc. Powell's great painting, " De Soto discovering the Mississippi," which now adorns the rotunda of the capitol at Washington, was exhibitel iu Corinthian Hall soon after it was opened. Peale's " Court of Death" was also exhibited in the same place. A few years since, the late William A. Reynolds, who was not only n cultivated amateur and lover of art, but a liberal patron. interested himself in establishing an art gallery in the large hall over the Rochester Savings Bank. A Mr. Humphrey, who had long been engaged in other cities in art exhibitions, took the general management, and procured a large number of fine painting- for the exhibition, in- cluding Church's " Under Niagara," Bierstadt's " Light and Shadow," and other celebrated works. The exhibition for a time proved successful, but was finally closed for want of sufficient patronage. D. W. Powers, in 1876. soon after the Powers block was fully completed, determined to finish the upper suite of rooms in his building for a spacious, permanent art gallery. Ile entered upon this en- ter wise with his usual enthusiasm, determined that it should be an honor to Rochester, as well as creditable to himself. He paid a flying visit to Europe, in company with connoisseurs of art competent to aid him in the selection of suitable pictures. In a very few months, probably the finest suite of rooms anywhere to be found in this country-devoted to art proper-were completed, and the walls filled with creditable works of art, embraring copies of many of the best works of the old masters, as well as many originals of great merit, together with several pieces of fine sculpture. forming altogether a picture-gallery of' rare merit, for which Mr. Powers is entitled to the gratitude not only of all lovers of art, but of the citizens generally of Rochester and western New York.

HIRAM SIBLEY recently purchased in Europe a large collection of paintings. as the nucleus of a picture-gallery. They were exhibited ( by permission ) to our citizens by the Academy of Art. The collection is particularly interesting to art students, and possesses many rare old masters of great value, and, when placed in a suitable mom. will form an exceedingly attractive feature in our art acquisitions. In the parlors of our citizens may also now be found large numbers of valuable works of art, exhibiting a cultivated taste as well as appreciation of art. Art feeling and art culture here has been greatly stimulated during the past few years by some few persons who have labored efficiently for that object, among whoms no man is entitled to greater credit than Dr. M. B. Anderson, president of our uni- versity, who is an necomplished connoisseur. His course of lectures before the graduating classes of the university, which he has, often Lindly opened to these

interested in art, have proved of great value. It should be stated bere that he was the first college-president in the United States to inaugurate a system of ele. mentary instruction in the theory and practice of' the fine arts, especially in eu- gravings, for the young men committed to his care, as a starting point in art cul- ture from which they could easily in after-life, by study and observation. beenne intelligent amateurs and art critica.

THE SCULPTORS.

EDWARD C. CLCTE. came to Rochester in 1954, and remained about two years. He was the first to model and execute in marble a life-size bust. in Rochester. His bust of the late Jaunes Chappell excited the admiration of art crities at that time. He also executed small busso-rilievos, medallions, etc., of exquisite finish and beauty. This city not furnishing patronage, he sought employment for his genius in other climes,

JUINSON MI MENDY, a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, came to Roch- ester in 1863 and opened a studio in Reynolds' Arcade. After seven years of study in the studio of Henry K. Brown, of Brooklyn, New York, he accompanied bim in 1860 to Columbia, South Carolina, as an assistant in executing an extensive commission he had received from that State. Then came secession and the attack on Fort Sumter, which forced the artists to discontinue their work atul return home. The war being unfavorable to the practice of his chosen pursuit, Mr. M. was thrown upon his resources as a portraiturist in crayons, then tr- siding at Watertown, New York. Since 1863 he has permanently resided in Ruch- ester. Up to the present time be has executed in marble a large unmber of buste of lending citizens of Rochester and western New York, among which are thure of Bishop De Lancey, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Chester Dewey, William .1. and Aly- lard Reynolds, Pling Bromley, Fred. Douglas, etc. Among other work. which have added largely to his reputation are designs for a soldiers' momument. a memorial monument to Charles Sumner, " The Reaper." and several figure- pieces. His products, whether from chisol or pencil exhibit a careful. patient study of nature which stamps him a conscientious worker. His influence is di- rected towards a progressive development of art culture, and his efforts to secure a collection of casts from the antique, for the use of a school of design, have mer with some degree of success.

ARCHITECTS AND ARCHITECTURE.

The first resident architect was Captain DANIEL LOOMIS, who came to Roch- ester in 1820. He furnished plans and built the first county jail on North Firz- hugh street, and twenty years later the stove jail on the " Island." He was hes builder of the old .. Centre Market," at foot of Market street, of many of the best residences of the third ward erected prior to 1849, and many of the business blocks erected at an early day, among which was the old Ruchester Bank builling. Ile died in IS64, and was succeeded by his son, ISAAC Loosts, who he- practicel this profession all his life. He is the architect of several churches, including the Church of the Epiphany. and many residences, etc., in this city and the town> of western New York.

TINKER, BOLT & RYAN date from the year 1828. Saint Paul's church w :s .l .- signed and erectedl by them, with its spire two hundred and twenty-eight fert Ingh. which when nearly completed was blown down, and the present tower substituted.

JASON BASSET Was considered the leading architect of the city frean IS to IS40, the period of his residence here. He had a penchant for the pure classic Grecian style of architecture, of which the City Bank building is a poud exampdr.

MARVIN AUSTIN came here about 1845, and exerted a large influence on public and private architecture for years, at a time when the city was growing very rapidly and more attention was being paid to modern styles. The ohl court- house was torn down, and the present que erected. hy him. He was the architect of the Plymonth church; he abo introduced the Gothic cottages for re-idemer in the suburbs. He left Rochester some time since.

A. J. WARNER settled in 1847. He has acquired an enviable reputation at home as well as abroad. Ilie work has been done mainly during a period " great financial prosperity, when large wealth had been accumulated atul ont rapidly increasing population warranted the investment in more costly umul cle- gant buildings,-hence his work is eminently more commanding in apparater than that of many of his predecessors. Among the fiue and costly builling- ... which he is architect here may be named Powers' Block. new City Hall. Fre Academy, First Baptist and First Presbyterian churches, ete. He has also fur- nished plans for many private and public buildings throughout western New York, such as Subliers' Home, Bath ; City Hall, Erie County jail and hospital Buffalo, all of which are fine specimens of architecture and have given lum a wide reputation.

CHARLES COOTS was for many years a partner with A. J. Warner, and, though a young man, has acquired a fine reputation as an architect.

OLD HOMESTEAD, EAST RUSH.

SOCRATES SMITH, MD.

OM PERSONAL SWITCH SEE RUSH HISTORY.

LLLL

LLLLLL

771 LELELELLLLLLLL

RES OF REV. ISAAC GIBBARD, WEST AVE , ROCHESTER, N. Y.

PLATE XXV.

COWLEY'S BLOCK.

1876

COWLEY

E. A.COWLEY'S BLOCK, COR. OF ALLEN & LITCHFIELD STS., ROCHESTER, N.Y ERICTED BY LA.COWLEY, DRUGIST, IN 1876.

RES. & SHOP OF C. H. TURVER. CONTRACTOR & JJINFR, STAIR 8. ILCER à MASON WORK Nº 39 SOUTH FORD ST. ROCHESTERNY

RES. OF ABRAHAM MARSIELJE, CONTRACTOR & BUILDER No 34 BUCHAN PARK, ROCHESTER, MONROE CO. NY

142*

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

D. C. McCALLUM practiced his profession in Rochester about the year 1810, and for a few subsequent years. Ile was an acemuplished architeet, and held a high position in bis profession. Among the prominent buildings erected by him are the House of Refuge, St. Joseph's Church, St. Mary's Hospital, and the Odd- Fellows' Hall building, corner of Main and Saint Paul streets. He designed a con- siderable number of stores, the old Minerva HIall block, opposite the Osborn House, on Main street, and did much to improve the general architecture of the city. Ho was also the architect of a large number of city and suburban residences, among which is the dwelling of Lorenzo D. Ely, on East avenue, in Brighton. Ilis drawings and studies were carefully made, and plany well adapted to location.

HENRY SEARL came here in the year IS+4. and for some twenty-three years was professionally engaged as an architect. Among the public buildings crected by him may be named the Rochester Savings Bank, a pure Grecian style and of rare beauty ; the old Third church, which was located on Main street, corner of Stone, a Gothic structure ; the Central church. on Sophia street ; the Monroe County Workbouse; the Rochester City Hospital, and the Corinthian flall build- ing. For this latter building Mr. S. invented a new and valuable method for ventilation, which has been largely adopted elsewhere, reflecting great credit on him as a genius in his profession. He also designed a large number of private dwellings, many of which are first-class residences of large dimensions, imposing in style, and mainly characterized by simplicity and convenience. He acquired a large reputation throughout western New York, and designed the court-houses at Lyons, Canandaigua, and Binghamton. He also furnished designs and erected the House of Refuge for the State of Michigan, located at Lansing. Mr. Searl removed from here, in 1867, to Washington, D. C., where he now resides.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 55

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts Number of Pages: 976

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976