Grays on Public Square

Joseph Parker (probably American, active 1830s) The Cleveland Grays on Public Square, 1839 Oil on canvas
The Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland

Commissioned as a gift for the uniformed militia company known as the Cleveland Grays shown parading in the foregroundthis townscape of the northwest quadrant of Public Square represents a harmonious gathering of marchers and crowds at the young towns symbolic center. Parker, a theatrical producer, actor, and scenery painter, centered his composition upon the original First Presbyterian Church (on the site of the current Old Stone Church) to create an image of a community united under a shared ideal of worship. Charles Giddings, the bank president who commissioned the picture, presented it to the Grays after a day of marching and feasting. The view includes his house to the right of the church, and so promoted his reputation as a prominent citizen.