The Library Company’s collection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, scientific instruments, and other artifacts.

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Jew David's Plaster.
Gift of William H. Helfand, 2017., Round metal container of the patent medicine Jew David’s plaster. Reads on the lid, “Jew Davids, Plaster, E. Taylor, Rochester, N. York.”
John Dickinson
A 19th-century copy from an unknown original., Gift of Cory and Kate Luxmoore, 1999.
John Graver Johnson
Johnson was an eminent corporate lawyer and was involved in the case dealing with the building of the Ridgway Building. His art collection became the nucleus of the Philadelphia Museum of Art., LCP Annual Report May, 1939, p. 6, “By the kindness of Mr. William De Krafft the Library Company has become the possessor of the portrait of John G. Johnson, painted by Albert Rosenthal.”, Gift of William de Krafft, 1938., Exhibited by the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the 112th Annual Exhibition, 1917.
John Jay Smith
John Jay Smith was the Library Company's Librarian from 1829-Feb. 1851 and Treasurer from 1840-1857., Painting is signed on the lower right., Receipt for portrait, frame, and tablet for name, dated April 13, 83, in vol. 3 of John Jay Smith's Recollections-manuscript copy [8442.F]., LCP Minutes vol. 8, May 3, 1883, p. 474: "Mr. L.P. Smith, having in behalf of himself and his brothers Mssrs. Robert P. Smith and Horace J. Smith, presented the Library Company with a portrait of the late John Jay Smith; the Secretary was directed to thank the donors, for the very acceptable gift of the portrait of one who had so long and faithfully served the Library Company.", Gift of Lloyd Pearsall Smith on behalf of himself and his brothers, Robert P. and Horace J. Smith, 1883., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Building a City of the Dead: The Creation and Expansion of Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill Cemetery (2010-2011).
John Markoe
John Markoe was the son of Abraham Markoe and his second wife, Elizabeth Baynton. John married Mehitabel (Hitty) Cox in 1804 and succeeded his father as head of extensive business interests in Philadelphia. About 1810 a mansion was built for the Markoes designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and supervised by Robert Mills, on Chestnut St. between 9th and 10th., Gift of Mary De Witt Pettit, 1965.
John Markoe
Written on the back of the frame: Coleman., John Markoe was the son of Abraham Markoe and his second wife, Elizabeth Baynton. John married Mehitabel (Hitty) Cox in 1804 and succeeded his father as head of extensive business interests in Philadelphia. About 1810 a mansion was built for the Markoes designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and supervised by Robert Mills, on Chestnut St. between 9th and 10th., Gift of Dr. Mary Dewitt Pettit, 1965.
John Milton
LCP Minutes vol. 5, November 3, 1831, p. 330: "The following presents were received for which the Secretary is to thank the donors...From Zachariah Poulson, Esq. fine Busts of Shakespeare and Milton in plaster.", Gift of Zachariah Poulson, 1831.
John Milton
John Penn
A letter inserted in the LCP Minutes vol. 9, p. 137, dated Nov. 16, 1888, from Lambdin to G. M. Abbot, reads: "The John Penn was copied from a picture said to be by [Godfrey] Kneller, but that could not have been for he died very many years before Penn was born. I think it was probably painted by Hudson, who lived in John Penn's day. The original belonged, I think, to Samuel Lardner, from whom it was borrowed. The copy was presented by me to the Library Co.", Gift of James Reid Lambdin, before 1864.
Joseph Fisher, “Optician"
Bequest of Joseph Fisher, 1864.
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de
LCP Minutes vol. 5, Sept. 1, 1825, p. 186: "Samuel S. West presented a plaster bust of General Lafayette.", Gift of Samuel S. West, 1825.
Lake Scene
Doughty's first version of the lake scene was said to be painted for Henry Pickering, a Hudson River poet. From this painting, George B. Ellis engraved a print which illustrated the poem, "A Lake Scene", by Pickering which appeared in the 1827 gift book, The Atlantic Souvenir. The Library Company's painting is a later version that differs slightly with the addition of a pair of huntsmen., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., Exhbited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
Landscape with People and Animals
Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Landscape with Temple on Cliff
This painting is an academic study, perhaps of the Temple at Sunium or Temple de Thesee a Athene., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Letter and wig of Charles Lee, 1731-1782
Letter in frame reads: Nov. 6, 1861., Hair from the wig of General Charles Lee, of the American Revolutionary Army. He was buried in Christ Church yard in 1782, and in order to alter the position of the wall on Church Alley his bones were removed. The wig, after a lapse of 79 years, was found in good preservation, the net work only being rotted.
Libertas Americana
Reads, "Libertas Americana" and "4 Juil 1776." Translation: "American Liberty—4th of July, 1776." Depicts Liberty with her cap and pole. Reverse reads, "Non Sine Diis animosus infans" "17 19 Oct. 1777-1781." Translation: "The fearless child was not without the help of gods." (Verse from the Odes of Horace; Book III, Ode IV, 20.) Depicts Minerva, with a spear and shield, protecting an infant Hercules from a lion. Hercules is strangling two serpents., Gift of Benjamin Franklin., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Liberty Displaying the Arts and Sciences, or The Genius of America Encouraging the Emancipation of the Blacks
The painting is signed "S. Jennings Pinxt.1792" on a scroll in the lower right corner. The frame is original, made by the Philadelphia carver and gilder James Reynolds (c. 1736-1794)., LCP Minutes vol. 3, April 1, 1790, p. 195-197: "Extract of a Letter from Samuel Jennings, dated London January 12th, 1790. `My Dear Father. Having lately received Information that an Elegant Building is now erecting for the Philadelphia Library, an Idea immediately struck me, that if it would not be thought presumptuous, I should esteem myself very happy to have the honor of presenting a Painting to the Company that would be applicable to so noble, and useful an Institution, and which if agreeable to the Gentlemen who have the Directions of it, shall use my utmost exertion & abilities to make it acceptable; the great affection I retain for my native Country, will always be an inducement to me to contribute my mite towards the Encouragement of Arts and Sciences, hoping in due time, they will arrive to as great perfection as they are at present, in the place I now reside--- As I do not know who the Gentlemen are that have the direction of the Library, I request you will be so obliging as to communicate to them the Information I have given you, and if they should be pleased to approve of it, as I hope they will, it will be necessary for me to be acquainted with the length, breadth and height of the Room, together with the Situation they would wish to place in it, and if over the Fire-place, the distance from the Mantle-piece to the Ceiling-- You will perhaps think me too particular, but these are things essentially necessary--/As soon as I receive an answer from you with their approbation, which I hope will be by the first Packet from New York, or any other immediate opportunity, I shall put the piece into Execution., In regard to the subject, there are three, which I think would be applicable to the Institution vizt. Cleo - Goddess of History, and Heroic Poetry. Calliope - Goddess of Harmony, Rhetoric, & Heroic Poetry - Minerva- Goddess of Wisdom & all the Arts, The Presidentess of Learning, which seems to comprehend everything that can be desired.The dress of Minerva is grand, and would make a better picture than either of the others. But if my other Subject should be their choice, I shall with plesure, comply with it-' This handsome Compliment from one of our Fellow Citizens now in London, is gratefully received, and Mordecai Lewis, John Kaighn, Doctor Parke, Thomas Morris and Richard Wells, are appointed a Committee to prepare a Letter to go by the next Packet expressive of the high Sense which the Board entertain of the genteel proposal, and that the Committee take the subject of the picture into consideration, and transmit their opinion thereon-.", Vol. 3, May 6, 1790, p. 206-207: "The Committee appointed by the last board reported that they had transmitted a letter to Samuel Jennings in answer to his polite and liberal offer of a painting for this Institution which was read and ordered to be entered on the minutes--- `Phila. April 3, 1790, Esteemed Friend- The Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia having been furnished with an extract of thy letter respecting a Piece of Painting intended for the Library they have instructed us to transmit their grateful acknowledgments for so genteel a notice of their Institution--To recieve such a proof of Attachment from one of their Fellow-Citizens, at so great a distance, must be truly pleasing to every Member of the Company, to whom the Directors will have an opportunity of communicating it, at their annual Election next month-/ The Board have considered the three Subjects submitted to their Choice, and readily agree in giving a preference to that of Minerva; but as a more general latitude has been so politely granted, they take the liberty of suggesting an Idea of Substituting the figure of Liberty/with her Cap and proper Insignia/displaying the arts by some of the most striking Symbols of Painting, Architecture, Mechanics, Astronomy etc, whilst She appears in the attitude of placing on the top of a Pedestal, a pile of books, lettered with, Agriculture, Commerce, Philosophy, & Catalogue of Philadelphia Library., A broken chain under her feet, and in the distant background a Groupe of Negroes sitting on the Earth, or in some attitude expressive of Ease & Joy -/ This is handed merely as a Sketch of what struck the Directors, but they have so much diffidence on Subjects of this nature, that they wish to submit the whole to thy own Judgment-/ We are on behalf of the Directors very respectfully Thy Friends. Signed by Richard Wells, Thomas Morris, Thomas Parke, John Kaighn'., Gift of Samuel Jennings, 1792., Exhibited in: Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition, From Colony to Nation (1949); Corcoran Gallery of Art's exhibition, American Processional (1950); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibtion, Negro History, 1553-1903 (1969); The National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution, 1770-1800 (1973); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibtion, Women 1500-1900 (1974); Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981); Corcoran Gallery of Art's exhibition, Facing History, The Black Image in American Art, 1710-1940 (1990).
Library Building on 5th Street
Signed on the bottom left corner, “GB Wood, 1880.”, The painting depicts the interior of the Library Company's building on 5th Street. Lloyd P. Smith, the Librarian, is standing behind the charge desk. There is a woman and her dog standing in front of the desk with her back to the viewer. It is possible the woman is supposed to be Anne Hampton Brewster who owned a dog and was a close friend of Lloyd P. Smith., Represented in the painting (behind the Librarian's Desk) are the following objects: Bust of Clytie (OBJ #536), Bust of Apollo (OBJ #538), Painting of Stenton by Lewis (OBJ #142), and Portrait of James Logan by Sully (OBJ#255), Gift of Dr. William Pepper, 1893.
Library Company Blue Plate
Blue and white transferware, by J. & W. Ridgway, Shelton, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, between 1814 and 1830. Part of J. & W. Ridgway’s “Beauties of America Series.” Depicts the Library Company's 5th St. building surrounded by a border of medallions of roses and leaves., Gift of Donald H. Cresswell, 1997., Exhibited in Haverford College's exhibition, The Pennsylvania Landscape: Colonial to Contemporary (2007).
Library Company Fire Buckets
Buckets were the first means of defense against a fire in the 18th century. Home owners and businesses purchased them from saddlers or bellow-makers and had their name painted on them (to distinguish them from the public or fire company buckets). They were kept hanging in a convenient location in the building at all times., Six leather buckets inscribed, Library Company of Philadelphia, with a ornamental scroll above and a sunburst below., LCP Minutes vol. 6., Feb. 7, 1797, p. 64: “The Librarian was instructed to purchase six good large leathern buckets, painted with the words “Library Company of Philadelphia,” to be kept in the Library-Hall.” Vol. 6, Apr. 6, 1797, p. 65 : “The Librarian produced an account, amounting to L7.17.6, for six fire buckets, procured by directions of the board, for which amount an order was drawn on the Treasurer in his favor.”, Purchased by the Library Company in 1797., Exhibited in, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World (2005-2007).
Library Step-Stool.
Gift of David M. Doret and Linda G. Mitchell in memory of Robert Lindsley and Eric de Hoogh, 2019., Made for the Library Company’s Juniper and Locust Street Library branch, which was designed by Frank Furness and opened on February 24, 1880. Carved Library step stool with two steps and stabilizing arm topped with a carved finial.
Library Tables
Two library tables with pine tops covered with red leather. Baluster turned legs joined by rectangular stretchers, which are molded on top. Ball feet. Drawer in apron has decorative brass pulls and key plate. One table lacks key plate. Original covering was likely green baize., Purchased by the Library Company, ca. 1740.
Life Mask of Abraham Lincoln
Plaster cast reproduction after the original life mask made by Leonard Wells Volk (1828-1895) in 1860., Gift of Rose Gallagher, 1990.
Lloyd Pearsall Smith
Smith was the librarian of the Library Company from 1851-1886 and a director from 1857-1886., Letter inserted in the LCP Minutes, vol. 9, dated Nov. 16, 1888, p. 137 from Lambdin to G. M. Abbot reads: The Portrait of Mr. Lloyd Smith has been transferred by me to his widow, who will in the future control it. Feb. 4, 1915: A portrait of Mr. Lloyd P. Smith and some pictures relating to the Library presented by his great nephew Lloyd M. Smith were received, and thanks returned for the same., Gift of Lloyd M. Smith, 1915.
Lock of George Washington's Hair
Lock of white hair on a black background. Oval glass covered opening. The hair was taken by Martin Pierie, Washington's barber, in 1781., Note pasted to back reads: "Description of frame: 1. Oval from Washington's mansion - Mt. Vernon; 2. Part of a chestnut tree planted by Washington which is the molding; 3. Beed around frame from Independence Hall, Philadelphia; 4. The ring from Carpenter's Hall; 5. Upper right star Tree Lafayette planted; 6. Upper left star, Gen'l Anthony Wayne house; 7. Lower right star, Frigate Constitution; 8. Lower left star, Frigate Alliance; 9. Back from pew Washington worshipped in at Christ Church. I believe the above to be correct and true. Roxborough Feb. 18th, 1860 Joseph Crout.", Library Company Minutes vol. 5, Aug. 6, 1829, p. 265: "A lock of General Washington's hair taken by Martin Pierie in 1781, was presented by John Pierie. The Secretary was directed to return the thanks of the board to the donor, & the Librarian requested to have it framed under glass and placed in the cabinet.", Gift of John Pierie, August 6, 1829.
Logan Table
Secondary woods with walnut top., Inscription on brass plaque reads, "This table formerly used by the Honourable James Logan an part of the furniture of his Library at Stenton was presented to the Loganian Library by his descendant in the fifth generation, Albanus C. Logan, MDCCLXX." Marlbourough style legs were not used until about 1755, which makes the claim of it belonging to James Logan doubtful. It may be one of several walnut tables mentioned in the inventory made at Stenton after William Logan's death in 1772., Gift of Albanus C. Logan II, 1870.
Magnetic Dispensary
This painting satirically illustrates animal magnetism or magnetic therapy. On the wall are three pictures: Loutherbourg, an artist turned quack, Yeldell (with donkey ears) a follower of Mesmer, and probably de Mainaudiac, a doctor who advertised magnetic cures and animal magnetism. Also in the painting are packets of "Mag Snuff" and an open book that reads, "Magnetic Effluvia" and "List of Cures" with a dog urinating on it., Labels on the back read “1831 From James S. Earle & Sons, Earle’s Galleries, No. 816 Chestnut Street Philadelphia” and “Library Company of Philadelphia. 3775.”, Engraving in The Attic Miscellany. London: Bentley, 1791 (Vol. I, pictured on p. 121). Engraving is signed: Drawn by Collings, etched by Barlow, published by Bentley & Co., 1790.
Magnifying Mirror
LCP Minutes vol. 1, May 9, 1743, p. 133: "B. Franklin acquainted the Member Met, that he had lately received from London a Glass Concave of 12 Inches Diameter for Magnifying and burning, which he would present to the Library." Vol. 1, June 13, 1743, p. 133: "The Secretary informed that he has on the 21st of Last Month taken to the Library the Concave Mirror given by Mr. Franklin.", Gift of Benjamin Franklin, 1743.
Margaret Burke
Margaret Burke was the sister of Mathew Carey. Not long after her portrait was taken, she followed her brother to the United States. She married a Baltimore sea captain named James Burke, who presently abandoned her and their children. She moved to Philadelphia and for a while worked as a school mistress and a milliner., Gift of Mrs. H. Lea (Mary) Hudson, 1994.
Maria Hampton Brewster
Copy of an original by Thomas Buchanan Read., Bequest of Anne Hampton Brewster, 1892.
Market Scene- Woman with a Basket
Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Market Scene- Woman with a Jug
Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Mask of George Washington
In 1785, Houdon accompanied Benjamin Franklin to visit Washington at his Mount Vernon home. Houdon spent two weeks at Mount Vernon, sketching, measuring, and observing the General as well as creating this plaster life mask. He returned to Paris and used this mask to aid him in sculpting a marble, life-sized sculpture of Washington which still resides in the Richmond Capitol. There are four known copies of the mask in existence.
Mathew Carey
Gift of Mrs. H. Lea (Mary) Hudson, 1991., Exhibited in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibition, John Neagle: Philadelphia Portrait Painter (1989).
Mathew Carey
On the back of the canvas: "Painted by T[] Henry Smith 1886 from the original painted from life by John Neagle 1825.", LCP Annual Report 1886, p. 2: "The Company is indebted also to Mr. Henry C. Baird for the gift of a fine portrait of his grandfather, the late Matthew Carey, Esq...suitably acknowledged by the Board of Directors.", Gift of Henry Carey Baird, 1886.
Medallion of Benjamin Franklin
Medallion by Nini after a drawing by Thomas Walpole (1755-1840). Bas-relief profile portrait of Franklin facing to the left wearing a fur cap. Inscription around the circumference, “B. Franklin. Americain.” Stamped on the truncation under the shoulder, “Nini / F 1777” and shield bearing a lightning rod and thunderbolt, with a crown as its crest; below the truncation, “1777.”, Gift of Michael Robinson, 2014.
Medicine bottle.
Patent medicine bottle made in amber glass. Reads along the side of the bottle, Dr. H.S. Thacher’s Cholera Mixture Chattanooga, Tenn. Diamond embossed on the base. Henry Savage Thacher (1826-1898) was a chemist and apothecary who founded the Thacher Medicine Company in 1890. John Lupton bought the company in 1910, and the FDA later shut it down in the 1930s. The American Medicine Association and the federal government declared Dr. Thacher’s medicines to be quackery, that they made false and fraudulent claims, and that the ingredients were misbranded., Gift of Charles E. Rosenberg, 2017.
Meeting of Jacob and Esau
Depicts the meeting of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 33:4. Esau comes with an army, Jacob with his family, and the twin brothers embrace in the center. From the circle of Gillis van Coninxloo (Antwerp-Utrecht) or another Bruegel follower- an Antwerp painting., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
Mehitabel Markoe
Mehitabel (Hitty) Cox was the daughter of James S. Cox of Bermuda, who became a prominent Philadelphian, and his wife Catherine Sitgreaves. Hitty married John Markoe in 1804., Gift of Dr. Mary De Witt Pettit, 1965.
Merchant's Exchange, Philadelphia
Merchant's Exchange, designed by William Strickland and constructed 1832-33, was one of the earliest stock exchanges in the United States., Gift of David Doret, 2002.

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