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

Lehigh 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

 

At the turn of the century, the accomplished landscape artist Richard Rummell (1848-1924) painted a panoramic bird’s-eye view watercolor of Lehigh 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 watercolors. 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.

Lehigh University was founded by industrial tycoon Asa Parker, who created the Lehigh Valley Railroad, a line which prospered due to the booming coal industry in the region. His generous donation of $500,000 and 57 acres of land on Bethlehem's South Mountain in 1865 created the University, whose mission was to educate young men in the Lehigh Valley, and cemented his legacy as a philanthropist who used his wealth to create positive change. From its modest origins educating 39 pupils, the school grew to become an established university which produces thousands of graduates a year. 

Cutting through the foreground of the view, horse-drawn carriages ride along Packer Avenue, which continues to function as a road on campus nearly a century later. Slightly left of center in the foreground, the Packer Memorial Church can be seen with its stately stone tower. Directly in front of this Church is the Philosophy building. To the front left of the Church is Saucon Hall, which was built in 1872 making it the oldest building on campus. Originally two buildings, a connective “hyphen” was added in 1926. This hyphen is absent from the view, which shows the hall in its original form. Behind Saucon Hall and to the left of the Packer Memorial Church, the Chandler-Ulman Hall houses the departments of Psychology and Mathematics, while adorning the campus with its iconic red brick chimneys. Originally one of the first collegiate chemistry buildings in the nation, the hall was distinguished for its innovative ventilation and safety-conscious design. Behind the Packer Memorial Church, the two towering sides of the Lindeman Library poke through the trees, as a portion of its rounded back hall can be seen by the careful observer.  

University Center towers over the verdant campus, to the back right of the view. The president’s house can be seen to the right foreground of the University Center, surrounded by trees. To the left and behind the University Center, the three pointed rooftops of Drown Hall are visible. This building currently houses the English department at Swarthmore. Taylor House can be seen to the left of the McClintic-Marshall house, which is right of the Drown Hall and behind the University Center.To the left foreground of Drown Hall, the Coppee Hall is depicted. Originally built in 1883 to function as a gymnasium, it now houses the departments of Journalism and Communication at the college. Behind Coppee Hall and further left is the Hawk’s Nest building, which serves as a dining hall. 

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