Icnonic College View of the Day: "Hamilton College" Richard Rummell (1848-1924)

Hamilton College

Littig & Co, 1908

Dimensions: 20" x 13.5"

At the turn of the century, the accomplished landscape artist Richard Rummell (1848-1924) painted a panoramic bird’s-eye view watercolor of Hamilton College. From this watercolor, a copper-plate was engraved and a limited number of pulls (engravings) were distributed. Today, Arader Galleries owns the collection of copper plates used for engraving and watercoloring. Using the original process and 100 year old original plates, Arader is proudly re-striking and making the beautiful college view available for acquisition the same way it was 100 years ago.

Founded in 1793 as a seminary designed to work with the Oneida tribe, Hamilton College draws its name from Alexander Hamilton, US Treasury Secretary and among the first trustees of the institution, although it was created by Samuel Kirkland as a result of his extensive missionary work.

Rummell's view, probably drawn from a hot-air baloon in 1908, profiles the 'Stryker' part of campus, commonly reffered to as the 'lights side' or 'north side' of the campus today. Front and center is the esteemed Hamilton College Chapel. The federal style chapel was completed in 1827 and dawns a quill weathervane atop the steeple, said to be a symbol of Hamilton's commitment to teaching students to write effectively. The large, stately building to the left of the chapel is South Hall, captured less than a year after it's grand opening in 1907. Next to South Hall, Couper Hall is easily recognizable. Built and named the "College YMCA Building" in 1889, the building was rededicated in 1992 and named after the late Edward W. Couper, Class of 1920 and former chancellor to the University. To the right of the chapel stands Kirkland Hall, built in 1823 as a twin of North College, then remodeled as Soper Gymnasium in 1891. Kirkland stands in front of Carnegie Hall (1904) and both serve as residence halls today.

Built in 1872, the Minor theater stands tall in the center-right of the view. Originally a library, and later infirmary, Clark H. Minor (1902) funded renovations that led to the opening of the present-day theater in 1962. Minor was president of General Electric from 1922-1945, and served as chairman of the board of trustees at Hamilton College for many years. He is remembered fondly for his contributions to the university, and lovingly for once opening a NY Times interview with, "I'm a very busy man. Among other things, I'm chairman of the board of trustees of Hamilton College..."

The Hamilton College Rummell view is printed on fine woven paper from the original 1915 engraved copper-plate by a master printer. Coloring is performed by a team of expert watercolorists, and framing is completed in-house with acid-free mat and high grade plexiglass that fits all museum specifications.

The uncolored engraving is available for $350. The beautifully hand colored example is $500. The Rummell View is also available through Arader Galleries in Curly Maple, Black, or Black and Gold frame for $750. There is no charge for shipping. Orders can be placed through our NYC gallery at 212-628-7625 or by contacting us via grahamarader@gmail.com