AN ICONIC COLLEGE VIEW: "COLGATE UNIVERSITY" RUMMELL, RICHARD (1848-1924)

 

Colgate University

Richard Rummell

Restrike engraving from the original plate (c.1913)

Printed on heavy woven paper and hand colored

Plate Size: 17 x 29 ¼ 

Price: $600.00

At the turn of the century, the accomplished landscape artist Richard Rummell (1848-1924) painted a panoramic bird’s-eye view watercolor of Colgate University. In this selection of paintings of American colleges and universities, Rummell selected the twenty best colleges in the nation at the time of painting. His inclusion of these universities in his oeuvre indicates his immense respect for these institutions. 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.

Colgate University alumni know that 13 is anything but an unlucky number. Founded by “13 men” with “13 dollars” and “13 prayers,” the number proves a symbol of luck for one of New York’s finest institutions. Originally founded as the Baptist Education Society of New York in 1819, the thirteen founders (six clergy and seven laymen) hoped to create a school which would prepare men to join the Baptist ministry. From 1833 to 1846, the school would be known as the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution. Although offering various educational programs, the institution would only accept ministerial students until 1839. As of 1843, the Board of Trustees aimed to rename the institution as Madison University, likely hoping to be able to gain some funds from New York State. 

With the formation of Madison University, a separate Board of Trustees was established from the previous education society. The two different Board of Trustees indicate a sort of tension between the more religious and more secular sides of the school. By 1876, there would be more secular students than ministerial students.

A simultaneous trend in Hamilton was growing support for renaming the university as Colgate University. William Colgate, a New York City soapmaker, and his family long helped the development of the university. Thus, in 1890, Colgate University became the new name for the Baptist Education Society of New York. 

Rummell is likely painting from Oak Drive looking south and west at Colgate University’s campus. Not only does Rummell offer immense detail of the buildings on campus, but his dedication to accurately capturing the natural scenery is commendable. He gives careful detail to the features of Taylor Lake while drawing the breathtaking hills that surround Colgate’s campus. 

Although separated from the other buildings in the painting, James B. Colgate Hall’s unique features radiate on the page. Completed in 1891, the building was designed by Edwin A. Quick with the hope of creating a library that would be fire-proof. Just across the path, Rummell clearly illustrates many iconic buildings for Colgate University alumni. Lathrop Hall (built in 1906) overlooks the area as the true treasure of the Academic Quad. To its left, Hascall Hall (completed in 1884) stands with its iconic Richardsonian Romanesque-style. Long the driver of scientific studies at Colgate University, Hascall Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Rummell’s fantastic artwork offers a unique means by which Colgate University alumni can remember their spectacular years in Hamilton, NY. It works as a beautiful piece in any office, home, or other space.

To order a college view, please email loricohen@aradergalleries.com or call 215-796-0358 (mobile) or 215-735-8811 (landline).