Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192

USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania > Part 103

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As early as June, 1804, two artists from Philadelphia, one, S. H. Dearborn, a landscape, and the other a miniature painter, announced in the newspapers that their services for a short time would be at the disposal of the citizens of Pittsburg. They opened a studio at Mr. Ferris' on the bank of the Monon- gahela. In 1812 J. Carroll, S. R. A., a portrait painter, had a studio on Penn Street. In addition to portraits, he did free-hand drawing, crayon work, water colors and landscapes, and advertised to give instruction to a limited number of learners. In 1818 a gallery of "fine European paintings" was placed on ex- hibition at the house of Mrs. Irwin, corner of Diamond Alley and Market streets, by a French gentleman, the price of admission being twenty-five cents. The exhibition consisted of oil paintings and rare engravings and two large night views of Ætna and Vesuvius. About this time a Mrs. Russell advertised to give instruction in free-hand drawing, and in painting on velvet, cambric, paper, worsted cloth, mantles, etc. S. H. Dearborn came here from New England about 1804-5 and opened a studio. He excelled as a portrait painter.

Perhaps the most prominent of the early painters to locate here was Mr. Bowman, who had come to Pittsburg early in the decade of the twenties, or sooner. His gallery of paintings was opened in August, 1829. He went to Europe while quite a young man, about the year 1821, under the patronage of a few wealthy individuals living here, who had a high opinion of his artistic talents and desired their cultivation. His visit to Europe was to perfect himself by the study of the works of the old masters. In 1825 his paintings were specially

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noticed by the London Museum and other critical art journals, recommenda- tions then considered of immense weight and value. While in Europe he copied and studied the principal works of Raphael, Rubens, Titian, Domenichino and others, and advanced with rapid strides to a mastery of his art. His efforts met with the warm approval of Sir Thomas Lawrence, president of the Royal Academy of London, and Sir Joseph Reynolds, both of whom noticed the distinction he made between ideal face painting and portrait painting. He be- came a pupil of Sir Thomas Lawrence and was regarded by him as an artist of rare promise, so much so that he was recommended to the Bishop of Wor- cester as one of the few painters in the kingdom who could do complete justice to a portrait of that functionary. He became a protegé of General Lafayette, in whose family he resided for nine months, and whose portrait he painted, his work being pronounced equal to those in the Louvre. Upon his return to America he located in Pittsburg and afterward painted many portraits of the prominent ladies and gentlemen living here in the thirties. It was- claimed by the newspapers at the time that he ranked as the second portrait painter then liv- ing. Towalsten said of him, "In point of coloring he has no superior." His por- traits of the Marquis de Lafayette and of J. Fenimore Cooper were particularly spoken of for their high standard of excellence. In 1829 a writer in the Gazette said of him: "Eight or nine years since Mr. Bowman left this city under the patronage of a few individuals for the purpose of improving his taste in the fine arts and the graphic in particular. He has returned to his friends, for a short time only, one of the most eminent artists of the age."

In 1828 J. R. Lambdin opened a museum and gallery of paintings at the corner of Fourth and Market streets. He was assisted by popular subscription and opened with a select collection of paintings and curios. In a short time he had on exhibition upward of fifty historical and other pictures, twenty quad- rupeds, 200 foreign and American birds, among thiem being the bird of para- dise, 500 minerals, 400 fossils, including the bones and teeth of the mammoth, 150 marine shells, 100 reptiles in spirits, 1,200 coins and medals, a fine collection of marine plants, corals, Indian curiosities, etc. Mr. Lambdin was also a portrait painter of considerable merit. Associated with him was Mr. Harding. Mr. Lambdin's reputation as a portrait painter commenced with his production of the portrait of Judge Baldwin for Wilson McCandless.

In 1834 there was an exhibition here by Mr. Warrell of Titian's celebrated painting of Venus. From time to time during the twenties and thirties the paintings of other famous artists of the world were exhibited here. The works of West, Alston, Trumbull, Vanderlyn, Leslie, Newton and other American painters were admired and praised.

In the forties W. C. Wall and Peter McClory opened studios in Pittsburg. Both were landscape painters of the realistic school. Mr. Wall's celebrated painting of Braddock's Field and McClory's painting of the Falls of Passaic were famous. Isaac E. Craig opened a studio in Burke's building in 1849 and excelled in crayon work and later in landscapes. He now lives in Europe, `where he has attained high rank as a figure painter. In 1848 the celebrated painting of the Hudson River, covering 12,000 square feet of canvas, was exhibited in Philadelphia Hall. The model artists who exhibited Powers' "Greek Slave" and similar works here in 1848 met with the severest criticisms from the press. Mr. Darley about this time gave great promise as a painter of portraits. His portrait of Robert Finney was particularly admired. In 1851 Mr. Emil Foerster produced a fine painting of "The Ascension" for the Catholic Church. He has made a specialty of portraits and many of his works possess high merit. At this time also L. Braun exhibited a fine oil painting of the "Saviour Rising from the Sepulcher" at Kennedy & Sawyer's picture-room on

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Wood Street. Mr. Braun had been recently banished from Baden on account of some political acts, and had come to Pittsburg to practice his profession. George Hetzel, an Alsatian, came to America in 1828, but at the age of twenty- one returned to Europe to perfect his study of painting. He made a special study of heads and figures. He is yet a resident of Pittsburg, and for many years recently has devoted himself wholly to landscapes. He is a member of the realistic school. In 1876 he received a medal at the World's Fair held in Philadelphia. His close views are particularly meritorious. About 1850 an artist named Wilson resided here and produced some excellent paintings. T. S. Officer and J. A. McClean were prominent painters of portraits and miniatures at an early day. In 1850 Rhodes and Nelson introduced the art of staining glass into Pittsburg, and thereafter several establishments supplied large quan- tities to steamboat owners. John M. Glogger, in the fifties, made a specialty of coloring photographs and of portrait painting. Emil Bott painted some beauti- ful landscapes during the fifties. Jasper Lawman came to Pittsburg during the forties and is yet living in the East End. He formerly excelled in landscape painting, but in recent years has finished many portraits of exceptional merit. He stands high among the painters of the United States. Joseph R. Woodwell, in the fifties, painted some fine landscapes and marine views in Pittsburg. He is yet living and his works are fully up to the standard of the promises given in his early years. Trevor McClurg is a strong artist of portraits, figure pieces and genre paintings. Clarence M. Johns, who is yet living, is a good artist of animal life and portraits. He also paints landscapes. His animals, particularly horses, are especially fine. The works of Messrs. Dalmain, Darley and D. R. Smith possess much merit. Martin Leisser has lived in Pittsburg many years, and particularly excels in portrait and figure work. Mr. Poole's landscapes are greatly admired. Mr. King's still life and landscapes are valuable addi- tions to local art. Charles Walz and Professor Dalby are portrait painters of great success. The tendency of art in Pittsburg is to depreciate the work of impressionists and cling to the realistic school. The old artists of Pittsburg generally refuse to see much merit in any of the transient variations from the rules of the established schools. The works of Charles Lingenfelser were particularly promising, but he passed away at an early age. H. S. Stevenson is a young artist of great promise. His first crayon works, and later his oil paintings, were especially fine. Alfred S. Wall, the father of Brian Wall, pro- duced many rich landscapes, and may be considered the Nestor of Pittsburg artists. Thomas S. Clark and John W. Alexander have attaincd great prominence by the merit of their artistic work. As early as 1855 D. R. Smith and Miss M. R. Smith conducted the Pittsburg Academy for Instruction in Drawing and Painting. Many amateurs received instruction in this institution. An important event was the establishment of the Pittsburg School of Design in February, 1865. It was opened at No. 24 Fifth Street, the tuition being placed at $10 per session. An exceptional course required a tuition of $25 per session. The institution was designed for the instruction of women. The first principal was T. W. Braidwood, with Mary J. Greig as head teacher. The works of Albert G. Reinhart and Charles S. Reinhart are well known in Pittsburg, par- ticularly paintings from the brush of the latter. He was perhaps Pittsburg's most eminent artist. His father was A. G. Reinhart, a merchant. Early in life Charles S. Reinhart began to display his passion for art. He commenced with sketching, and soon showed rare skill. In the sixties he went to Europe, where he studied for three years. His companion while abroad was Clarence M. Johns, now a prominent artist of Pittsburg. On his second visit to Europe, in 1880, Mr. Reinhart was soon recognized by the great artists there, and later he secured gold and silver medals from the Paris Salon. His famous painting,

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"Washed Ashore," won for him an enviable prize. His recent works show great originality of expression and a high finish. The recent work of James Fairman has attracted the attention of all lovers of art in Pittsburg. Many of his paintings rank with the best that have been produced in the United States in recent years. The miniatures of Miss E. H. Loeser, the oils of Mrs. Daugherty, and Mr. Charles Linford's landscapes are well known to the citizens of Pittsburg. John W. Alexander, now residing abroad, but formerly a resi- dent of Pittsburg, has attained a reputation throughout Europe as well as America. The works of A. F. King, John W. Beatty, Miss Olive Turney and Anne W. Henderson are attracting the attention of critics and artists. Mr. King excels especially in still life and portrait work. His "Pittsburg Newsboy," "Blue Ribbon" and others are works of high merit. H. S. Stephenson, in con- nection with his studio, produces various interesting studies. Many graduates of the School of Design have turned out meritorious works, which are to be seen in hundreds of homes in Pittsburg.

In recent years Pittsburg has made great strides in art, and bids fair, at no distant day, to become one of the art centers of the United States. The department of art connected with the gifts of Mr. Carnegie to the city will result in the cultivation of art, particularly among young people. In recent years many of the prominent citizens of Pittsburg have filled their homes with rare paintings and sculpture from all parts of the world. Some of the collections are worth many thousands of dollars. In fact, it is rarely the case now that the home of any wealthy man of Pittsburg is without some masterpiece of painting or sculpture. The opportunities given to students through instruction and through observation of the works of the best masters are probably unsur- passed in any city of the United States. A notable event was the organization of the Pittsburg Art Society in 1873. A small number of cultivated people sought cach other's society for the mutual consideration of art subjects, which led to the organization of the society. The membership is now large and great interest is shown in all advancements and improvements in art. Mr. George H. Wilson is present manager, and the membership is about 600. The efforts of John W. Beatty, director of the department of fine arts of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburg, have had much to do with improving the means of securing art instruction in that city. The amount placed at the disposal of the art department and museum of natural history is above $50,000 annually. This insures the permanent advancement of Pittsburg in all branches of art. Annu- ally the Pittsburg School of Design exhibits the result of its work. The insti- tution is under the superintendence of Miss Anne W. Henderson, who is assisted by Miss Olive Turney and Mr. M. B. Leisser and others. The total enrollment of the school in 1897 was eighty-seven young ladies. The follow- ing is from the Pittsburg Bulletin of May, 1897:

"Previous to fifteen years ago there was not an art collection in this vicinity, with one or two exceptions, with a commercial value of more than $10,000, and there were not above three or four people in this city that made any pretense of owning a collection, aside from the pictures to be found in the Shoenberger gallery and the Wolf collection. Mrs. Henry Kirke Porter, Captain Vander- grift, Charles Lockhart, the late Captain Jones and one or two others owned some good paintings, but no very valuable collections were the property of a single Pittsburger, as values are counted nowadays, and sales were comparatively few, high prices for single canvases being unheard of in local circles. Art exhibitions in those days were few, aside from those given under Art Society auspices, and the occasions when the Shoenberger gallery was thrown open to the friends of the family and the art students of the city are remembered as treats, to be thought of and remembered a very long time afterward. The

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growth of art, therefore, approaches the marvelous, the Carnegie Institute, with all its possibilities, being a factor in the education of the people along artistic lines that is to go a great way in the future art life of the city. "If a list of collections to be found in Pittsburg to-day was to be compiled, it would be notable for the abundance offered and the wonderful quality and interest to be found in the pictures, representing pretty thoroughly, as they do, the art of many schools, both old and modern. D. T. Watson, for instance, has a fine collection, which is immensely valuable, both artistically and commercially. It includes some of the finest examples, perhaps, of early English art to be found

in this city. Mr. Watson also owns one of the best Murillos in the United States, and a beautiful Constable called 'The Mill Pond,' and portraits by Gainsborough and Angelica Kaufman. A. M. Byers owns a splendid collection, which, perhaps, represents a greater outlay of money than any other private collection hereabouts. It includes a fine Troyon, a Rosa Bonheur, a Daubigny, a Rousseau and a number of others. H. C. Frick also has a fine collection, owning as fine a Jules Breton as there is in the United States, and an important Domingo that was never exhibited. In the fine collection owned by Charles Lockhart there is one of the best Shreyers in the world, and the only Rembrandts in the city. Mr. Lockhart also owns 'A Storm in the Highlands,' by Rosa Bonheur. Mr. Henry Buhl, of Allegheny, has a number of fine pictures, among them one of the best Bouguer- caus hereabouts. Mr. John G. Holmes has a few very select pictures, among them the well-known salon picture called 'The Shepherdess.' Other good, small collections are owned by Mrs. William Thaw, G. M. Laughlin, T. M. Arm- strong, W. N. Frew, Henry Laughlin, Ralph Bagaley, Mr. B. F. Jones, Henry Boggs, Harry Darlington, Mr. Caldwell and a number of others. Charles Don- nelly has a most artistic collection of rare and beautiful pictures, and Mrs. Henry Kirke Porter has a small but very artistically selected collection, Oak Manor being the only residence in the city containing a picture gallery. The list is by no means complete, but it will serve to show what has been accom- plished in the last few years, and gives force to the statement that Pittsburg will in a few years occupy a commanding position as a center of art. The institute and Mr. Carnegie's splendid gifts make it certain that this city is on the road to having the finest art collection in the country, the importance of this distinction being worth much to Pittsburg. The artistic growth of the last decade is only an earnest of what is to come, and one can hardly anticipate too much for the artistic life of Greater Pittsburg."

In the issue of the Pittsburg Gazette of November 24, 1786, the following notice, evidently inserted by the editor, appeared: "Wanted .- A man who understands vocal music and who can teach it with propriety. Such a person will meet with good encouragement from the inhabitants of Pittsburg." In 1801 Peter De Clory gave lessons in vocal and instrumental music in the Courthouse. His school seems to have been well attended, for during the winter of 1801-2 he gave several public concerts, in which nearly the whole town participated. His concerts usually ended with a ball, to which an admis- sion of fifty cents was charged. He owned a piano, violin and other instru- ments. Marches, minuets and songs were rendered. He advertised that at one of the concerts "The Battle of Prague" would be performed on the piano- forte by a pupil eight years old, and announced that the concert would con- clude with the President's March. The balls were held at his residence, and not in the Courthouse. Later he announced that seventy-five cents would be charged for admission to balls held in his new dancing house. The following notice appeared in the Gazette of March, 1801: "The ladies and gentlemen of

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Pittsburg are respectfully informed that there will be a concert of vocal and instrumental music this evening at the house of Mr. J. McClelland, corner Second and Market streets. Tickets at one dollar each may be had at the place of performance and at the printing office of the Pittsburg Gazette."

In 1806, continuing for several years during the cold months, Mr. Tyler conducted a class in vocal music, confining himself particularly to sacred music. This old gentleman, who was well advanced in years, had a sad history. He had received in England a finished education, particularly in music, and after coming to America purchased a farm near Carlisle. Having no children of his own he took an orphan boy to raise and educate. Afterward the bad habits of the boy dissipated the slender fortune of his benefactor and forced him at an advanced age to begin his fortune anew, whereupon he came to Alle- gheny County and located upon a small tract seven miles from Pittsburg. He began to teach music as a means of livelihood. Mr. Cuming said, in 1808, that several musical amateurs had associated themselves under the title of Apollonian Society, and that, having been invited by them to attend one of their performances, held at the house of Mr. Amelung, who was then the acting president, he was agreeably surprised to hear a concert of instrumental music per- formed by about a dozen gentlemen of the town with a degree of taste and exe- cution wholly unexpected in so remote a place. He was particularly aston- ished at a performance on the violin by Mr. Gabler, a German employed in General O'Hara's glassworks, one of the members of the association. Mr. Gabler did not know a note, but quite readily improvised creditable accom- paniments to the best and most difficult selections from Haydn, Pleyel, Bach and Mozart. The Apollonian Society was indebted to Mr. S. H. Dearborn, son of Benjamin Dearborn, for its existence. Mr. Dearborn came to Pitts- burg about the year 1804-5 as a portrait painter, and, being versatile and having some knowledge of music, soon gathered together the people musically inclined and organized a society. Meetings were held once a week. Persons joined who could not play on any instrument, and the membership was large for the sake of the cultivation which the society furnished. Mr. Cuming further said that amusements received a good deal of attention, particularly concerts and balls in winter, and annual horseraces about three miles from town beyond Hill's tavern on the Allegheny River.

As early as 1813 Charles Rosenbaum manufactured pianofortes on Fourth Street, between Market and Liberty streets. He made both upright and grand pianos, and charged from $250 to $300 for each. It was claimed by the news- papers that in 1813 Pittsburg was noted for its refinement and good taste, and that the arts flourished under the patronage of the people generally. Elocu- tion, oratory, music, painting, debating, etc., were carried to a degree of perfection not before realized in Pittsburg. Mr. Oglevie was an elocutionist and musician of note at this time. In September, 1817, William Evans announced that he would commence teaching sacred music for $3 per quarter, two lessons to be given each week.

The precise date of the organization of the Pittsburg Harmonic Society can- not be given. No doubt the society was organized during the prosperous times of the War of 1812. In 1818 General Thomas Baird was president of the society and John Spear vice-president. The society celebrated the Fourth of July, 1818, by going in a boat up the Allegheny River to Foster's ferry-house, adjoin- ing the United States arsenal, where they enjoyed a fine dinner and an elaborate musical programme. The following airs were rendered on various instruments by the members present: Hail Columbia, by E. J. Roberts; Star Spangled Banner, by J. McLean; March in Columbus, by J. G. O'Brien; Tyrolean Air, by H. Doan; Tars of Columbia, by W. Moody; Jefferson's March, by Mr. Bow-

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man, the artist; Washington's March, by Mr. Kingston; Decatur's March, by Mr. Volz; President's March, by Mr. Edgar; Yankee Doodle, by Mr. Peterson, and Sweet is the Vale, a quartet, by Messrs. Baker, Bell, R. Moody and Ewing. For some reason unknown this society appears to have gone out of- existence in the fall of 1818, as a notice was inserted in the papers at that time for the members to meet and settle up its affairs. This notice was signed by William P. Hughes, Joseph Barclay and John Howe. At this time N. Rich- ardson kept a music store, where he sold violins, flutes, clarinets, flageolets, fifes and violoncellos.

In January, 1818, the Pittsburg Musical Society was organized at the house of William Evans on Irwin Street. John M. Phillips, professor of music, was director of the society. He advertised to teach the diatonic and chromatic scales. J. C. Gilleland was secretary of the society and John Liggett treas- urer. The society made a specialty of the cultivation of sacred music. In 1819 the Allegheny Musical Society, designed for instruction and practice in sacred music, was organized, and for several years thereafter, during the winter months, gave regular concerts to the public. In 1825 William F. Norton gave instruc- tion on the pianoforte, flute, clarinet and flageolet. The Apollonian Society was revived in the twenties, and in 1828 gave creditable public performances. Its members were amateurs in music. In 1829 a musical society was organized under the leadership of W. C. Peters, their particular instruments being the violin, flute, etc. As early as November, 1829, W. R. Coppock composed music and rendered his own compositions in public concerts given in Pittsburg. He was professor of music and kept a music store. In 1830 John Julius was the leader of a band of violin players, which furnished music for concerts, balls, etc. During the twenties and thirties Charles Volz conducted a music store. W. C. Peters likewise sold music and musical instruments. In 1834 grand concerts were given here under the direction of Professor Joseph Young. Among the selections were the following: Overture, Tancredi; Song, Mr. Smith; Fan- tasia (keyed serpent), by Mr. Young; - Duet, by Mrs. Mullen and Mr. Smith; Violin Solo, by Mr. C. Von Bonnhorst; Glee, three voices; Finale, Polonaise; Symphony, Pleyel; Flute Solo, by Mr. E. H. Nicholson; Song, by Mrs. Mullen; Waltz, by the orchestra; Solo (keyed serpent); Finale, Pleyel. Mr. Young rendered his performances on an instrument called the "keyed serpent," which had never before appeared here. In 1835 the Musical Fund Society rendered oratorios and other forms of sacred music at the Episcopal Church. E. G. A. Heidelberg was director of the Musical Fund Society. They rendered publicly Haydn's "Creation," and received unstinted praise from local newspaper critics. Musical concerts were conducted during the thirties by J. H. Mellor & Co., C. L. Volz and E. G. A. Heidelberg. At one time the latter two were associated with Mr. Mellor. In September, 1836, Professor Hill, from London, conducted an amateur concert of solos, duets, glees, etc., and was assisted by Messrs. Heidelberg, Jones and Henry Kleber. In 1837 the Ravels, fourteen in number, gave a musical performance in Pittsburg, for which they charged admission. Several societies of sacred music flourished during the thirties. In March, 1838, Samuel P. Darlington was president of the Mozart Society, which rehearsed in the lecture-room of Trinity Church. The celebrated Prague Company of nine musicians gave a grand concert in November, 1837, the tickets being $I each. In June, 1841, Professor H. Russell conducted a grand concert of songs, ballads, duets and instrumental pieces, in which the leading musicians of the town took part.

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192