Artwork Page for First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia

Details / Information for First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia

1859

Frederick DeBourg Richards

(American, 1822–1903)
Culture
America
Medium
salted paper print from wet collodion negative
Measurements
Image: 20.4 x 15.5 cm (8 1/16 x 6 1/8 in.); Paper: 22.3 x 16.4 cm (8 3/4 x 6 7/16 in.); Matted: 50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2002.41
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Frederick DeBourg Richards, who was trained as a painter, was an accomplished Philadelphia photographer. His notoriety for complex architectural compositions was beautifully realized in this oblique, elevated view of the First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia. This warm-toned photograph, rich with detail, is a rare example of early cityscape photography. Designed by Samuel Blodgett with Joseph P. LeGrand, the bank resembles a marble mansion. Completed in 1797, it was probably the first building with a classic façade of marble to be erected in the United States. Indeed, the animated street life that Richards included was unusual for this period of photography.
A vertically oriented salted paper print in warm sepia tones depicts a city corner. A central classical building features a grand colonnade and triangular pediment. To the left, a brick building displays a "SATURDAY EVENING POST" sign. Curved tracks sweep across the cobblestones toward a horse-drawn carriage under a white awning. Darkened, worn edges frame the scene, while faint, blurred figures suggest movement amidst the detailed architectural facades.

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia

1859

Frederick DeBourg Richards

(American, 1822–1903)
America

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