AN ICONIC COLLEGE VIEW: "BROWN UNIVERSITY" RUMMELL, RICHARD (1848-1924) Brown University is certainly in the top 10. Here is a way to enhance your memory of four happy years spent in Providence, Rhode Island!

Brown 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 Brown 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. 

    In 1762, Baptist leaders in Philadelphia discussed the creation of a Baptist college in New England, and spoke with the leaders of Rhode Island. They believed this colony would be amenable to their efforts due to its status as the only colony without a college, and given that a large number of Baptists resided there. James Manning, who would eventually become president of the college, embarked to speak with Rhode Island leaders, who were overwhelmingly in favor of establishing a college, in 1763. The Rhode Island legislature approved a charter for the Rhode Island College in 1764. This liberal arts school was the third college in New England and the seventh college to be established in the United States. James Manning became the first President of the college, and its first and only professor in the early years. Beginning with only one student, the college grew over time to become the prestigious Ivy League school it is today. 

    From the southeast corner of the college front green, the view looks out over the scenic university and captures its gorgeous campus. At the center of the view, the Van Wickle Gates and University Hall can be seen. To the left of the University Hall, the Neoclassical architecture of Manning Hall is rendered in stunning color. Slater Hall can be seen to the right. At the foreground, two buildings can be seen, which were destroyed to make room for the John Hay and John Rockefeller libraries. To the background, Robinson Hall can be seen, along with the Romanesque-style Sayles Hall.

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