Gift of Mrs. H. Lea (Mary) Hudson, 1991., Exhibited in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibition, John Neagle: Philadelphia Portrait Painter (1989).
Album with locks of hair sewn onto the pages in loops of stylized flowers with colored drawings of flowers. The hair was assembled by Margaret Williams. Family names contained in the book are: Williams, Barmore, Mary, Washburn, Lee, Holden, Pullen, Armstrong, Darlen, Underhill, McIntyre, Rasnell, Halsted, Marshall, Philips, and Smith., Exhibited in: the Library Company's exhibition, Picturing Women (2004) ; and the Living Book: New Perspectives on Form and Function (2017-2018).
Calligraphed Declaration of Independence displayed during the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The artist recorded the entire text of the Declaration, the coats of arms of the thirteen original states, the names of the Signers on the border columns, a portrait of George Washington, and various vignettes., The artist's name is listed as W.V. Peacon in the Centennial catalog., Gift of Michael Zinman, 1991.
Sign advertising Paul Jones & Co., which made bourbon. At the bottom left, "The F. Tuchfarber Co., man'f'r's Cin. O. 1901." On the back, "Do Not Hang Near Stove. Wash With Cold Water.", Depicts an African American woman with a slice of watermelon and an African American man holding a jug. On the bottom right is a crate labeled Paul Jones & Co., Gift of Robert Petrilla, 1994.
A puzzle comprised of 24 blocks with lithograph images of: “Penna. Dairy Scene,” Map of U.S., Pennsylvania Railroad, Mount Vernon, William and his Sister Fishing, “Row Boat Excursion,” “Mary and Sally Feeding the Pet Pony.”, "Pubd by Jacob Shaffer Philada" on the map., Purchase of the Library Company, 1966.
Copper medallion set in an oval wood frame. Profile bust of Clay facing left, with a laurel wreath border. Nothing on the reverse., "T.D. Jones, Del., C.C. Wright, fecit."
Signed and dated on the lower right corner, S.B. Waugh 1881., Henry Wharton was a Library Company Board member for 18 years., Purchased by the Library Company's Board in 1881.
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).
Letter sent to John A. McAllister accompanied the relic, “Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Oct. 21, 1858 My Dear Friend, On my return home I found a piece of wood that has been sent to me from Mr. John Laird, of Quebec, which he assures me is a well authenticated piece of the Petite Hermine, one of Jacques Cartier’s vessels which he abandoned there in the spring of 1536. It was brought up from about ten feet below the surface of the mud, and with it was an ancient ‘chain plate’ such as has now been used in modern vessels. From the character of Mr. Laird, I am convinced that it is what it purports to be. I thought you might be willing to accept a small piece of such a curious relic, so I send it to you with the kindest regards of myself, Mrs. L. and Miss L. Yours very truly, Benson J. Lossing.”, Gift of John A. McAllister, 1866.
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.
The signature on the stretcher indicates that the painting was a New Year's present to Dr. James Rush's wife, Phoebe. Dr. Rush was the Peale family physician, as well as a friend, and the painting might have been payment for medical services., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., Exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Bicentennial exhibit, Philadelphia: Three Centuries of American Art (1976). Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
LCP Minutes vol. 7, Dec. 7, 1865, p. 249: "An original portrait of Francis Bacon Lord Verulam was offered by Philip F. Snyder, Esq. in exchange for 4 shares in the Library Company, which was accepted and the Treasurer was authorized to issue certificates accordingly.”, Gift of Philip Snyder in 1865 in exchange for four shares in the Library Company.
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.
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.
Wood carving of David Sower with an elaborately carved oak frame with plaster., Bequest of Charles G. Sower, 1904., Front inscription reads: David Sower 1st, Printer and Publisher, Founder of the Norristown Herald 1799, Born 1764 Died 1835. Grandson of Christopher Sower 1st., Manuscript note on back reads: Designed and executed by Prof. Rupert Schmid Sculptor from Munich Germany 1886. Pronounced to be a perfect likeness by Edward Stroud before knowing who it was intended for, who lived in the same house with David Sower 1 and was 28 years old when the latter died.
The Loganian Library Minutes vol. 1, Nov. 7, 1867, p. 346-347: "We the undersigned desirous of preserving for posterity a faithful and artistic representation of Stenton the residence of the Hon. James Logan hereby agree to contribute the sums set opposite our names respectively to be expended in an oil painting by Edmund Lewis of the said house and grounds of Stenton as they exist at present; the painting to be presented to and preserved by the Loganian Library." The names of the contributors pledging $10 are as follows: J.D. Sergeant, John Lambert, P.S.P. Conner, George W. Amis, John Jay Smith, J. Dickinson Logan, Lloyd P.Smith, Samuel Betton, Wm. Ritch Wister, M.N. Logan, Samuel M. Fox, Thos. Stewardson, Jr., Wm. Wister, N.& P.S. Hilles, Eliz. R. Fisher, John S. Newbold, A.C. Logan. The contributors pledging $5.00 are as follows: Dr. J. Carson, R. Morris Smith, H. Gates Jones, R.W. Ryerss, J.C. Milligan, D.R. King, and John Cooke. The total amount pledged was $215., Commissioned by the contributions of 25 individuals in 1867 for the Loganian Library.
Stamps on the back indicate it was made 1697-1720: a lion’s head erased; Britannia; “London”; an indistinguishable mark that may have once been a date letter; a crowned X; a touch mark of either AMH or A & H; and two identical marls of a spread eagle between towers., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869.
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.
Inscription on verso says: “Presented to the Library Company of Phila. by their Treasurer 1801 J.D. John Dorsey.”, Library Company Minutes vol. 4, Feb 5, 1801, p. 129: A Portrait of General Washington elegantly framed, was presented by Mr. Dorsey the Treasurer, for which he has the thanks of the board., Gift of John Dorsey, 1801.
Medal commemorating Walt Whitman's centenary year made by the Franklin Inn Club., Portrait of Whitman with the inscription, "Walt Whitman 1819-1919, The Franklin Inn Club.”, Gift of Dr. Horace Howard Furness, 1919.
The Union Library, founded in 1746, merged into the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1769., Image of an open book and two hands shaking. Inscription on outer ring of the seal reads, “Union Library Company Philadelphia.” Motto below this reads, “Read But Chuse.”, Acquired when the Union Library merged with LCP, 1769.
Political campaign medal promoting William Henry Harrison for president and John Tyler for vice president., Obv.: military bust of Harrison with the inscription: “Maj. Gen. W.H. Harrison 1841.” On the reverse side an eagle is depicted with the inscription, “Go it Tip Come it Tyler.” There is a small hole at the top of the medal.
Political campaign medal promoting William Henry Harrison for president., Inscribed, “Maj. Gen. W.H. Harrison.” The reverse reads, “The People’s Choice, the Hero of Tippecanoe.”
LCP Minutes, vol. 7, June 6, 1867, p. 287-288, “The following presents were recorded for which the Librarian was directed to thank the donor… Portrait Duke of Brunswick- P.F. Snyder.”, Gift of P.F. Snyder, 1867.
LCP Minutes vol. 8, April 30, 1885, p. 557a: “A portrait in oil of James Coxe, artist whose library of 5000 vols was purchased in 1832 by the Co., was presented by Philip F. Snyder Esq. and the Sec’y was instructed to return the thanks of the Board.” Note by George Maurice Abbot, Dec. 4, 1890: The painting of “Mercy Interceding for the Vanquished” said to be by Etty, was given to the library by Philip F. Snyder who also painted for the library from a pencil sketch, a portrait of James Cox, from whom the library at one time bought a large number of books.”, Gift of Philip F. Snyder, 1885., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, In Living Color: Collecting Color Plate Books (2007).
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.
The Library Company directors commissioned Thomas Sully to replace the portrait of James Logan that was destroyed in a fire in the Loganian Library on Jan. 6, 1831. Sully copied his painting from a portrait by Gustavus Hesselius in the possession of Mrs. D. Logan of Stenton (now in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania/Atwater Kent) and received two shares of LCP stock in payment., LCP Minutes vol. 5, Jan. 7, 1831, p. 309, "The destruction of an original portrait of James Logan, the distinguished donor of the Library bearing his name...is...a subject of great regret..." Loganian Library Minutes vol. 1, Nov. 10, 1831, p. 202-203: "An order was drawn ... for two shares of the stock of said company agreed to be given to Thomas Sully, Esqr. for painting a portrait of the founder of the Loganian Library from the one in the possession of Mrs. D. Logan of Stenton.", Commissioned by the Directors of the Library Company, 1831., Exhibited at the Great Central Fair in Philadelphia, in the "Wm. Penn Parlor" (1864). Exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's exhibition, Benjamin Franklin and His Circle (1936).
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.
Cushman was a Boston-born actress who became the leading American stage actress and immensely famous in both America and England. Cushman was the stage manager of the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia from 1842 to 1844, and this portrait was painted during that time., The Folger Shakespeare Library has an almost identical portrait of Charlotte Cushman, also painted by Sully, which was donated to them in 1936 by Mrs. Vincent Cushman, wife of Charlotte's nephew., Bequest of Anne Hampton Brewster, 1892., Exhibited in: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts' exhibition, Memorial Exhibition of Portraits by Thomas Sully (1922); Philadelphia Art Alliance for a theatrical exhibition culled from the Charlotte Cushman Club (1955); National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, This New Man (1968); National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, Thomas Sully, Portrait Painter (1983); Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania's exhibition, Women 1500-1900 (1974); Milwaukee Art Museum and San Antonio Museum of Art's exhibition, Thomas Sully: Painted Performance (2013-2014).
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).
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.
Benjamin Morgan was a prominent Philadelphia lawyer. Admitted to the bar in 1785, he became one of the judges of the District Court in 1821, and, previous to this, one of the founders of the Penna. Academy of the Fine Arts in 1805. Morgan was Secretary of the Library Company from 1792-1825 and one of its directors, 1825-1840., LCP Minutes vol. 9, April 4, 1889, p. 158: “A vote of thanks was directed to be sent to Mrs. Robert W. Leaming for her gift of a portrait of Benjamin R. Morgan.”, Gift of Mrs. Robert W. Leaming, 1889.
Gift of Miss Gillingham, June 2, 1904., LCP Minutes vol. 10, June 2, 1904, p. 88: "One portrait and two pastels bequeathed by Miss Gillingham to the Library were received."
Mackenzie was a Philadelphia merchant and book collector whose library of over 7,000 volumes came to the Loganian Library and the Library Company., Painting is signed “J. Neagle, 1829.”, LCP Minutes vol. 5, Nov. 5, 1828, p. 244: "Mess. Norris and Gibson were authorized to contract with any artist whom they may select to paint a portrait of the late William Mackenzie Esquire to correspond with the portrait of the late Dr. Preston by West." Vol. 5, Dec. 4, 1828, p. 246: "Mr. Norris from the Committee appointed for that purpose reported that they had contracted with Mr. Neagle to paint a portrait of the late Mr. Mackenzie Esq. under the authority conferred upon them at the last meeting and that the work had begun." Vol. 5, Aug. 6, 1829, p. 264: “An order was drawn in favour of Joseph Parker Norris for ninety seven dollars for the payment of John Neagle’s bill for painting a portrait of the late William Mackenzie and causing the same to be framed and put up in the room.”, Receipt from John Neagle for the portrait, July 1, 1829. LCP Records, 1829 [7446.F.14]., Commissioned by the Library Company, 1829.
LCP Minutes vol. 12, March 3, 1927, p. 93: “… the residue of the Estate of Sydney George Fisher is left to the Library Company, and in addition various designated engravings and prints.”, Bequest of Sydney George Fisher, 1927.
