Old Dutch Church
Samuel Hayden Sexton, Oil on Canvas, 1843
On loan from the Schenectady County Historical Society
Dutch settlers were the Capital Region's first colonies and founded the First Reformed Church in Schenectady in 1680. The church's original building was destroyed by fire ten years later in Schenectady Massacre. Today, the church and the surrounding Stockade District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
About the Artist: A lifelong resident of Schenectady and an acclaimed portrait and landscape painter, Samuel Hayden Sexton (1813-1890) worked as a shoemaker and taught himself to paint. His work has been exhibited in New York City and Paris.
Old Mohawk Covered Bridge
W.H. Yates, Oil on Canvas, ca. 1870
On loan from the Schenectady Historical Society
Schenectady was a pre-colonial home to Native Americans. In the 19th century, Schenectady became one of America’s leading industrial cities.
About the Artist: W.H. Yates (1845–1935) was born in Schenectady. After serving in the Union Army during the Civil War he studied art and became a well-known regional artist and teacher.
Please note: This artwork is currently undergoing conservation treatment and is not on view at this time.
The Albany
Antonio Jacobsen, Oil on Canvas, 1883
On loan from the Albany Institute of History and Art
Robert Fulton first began operating steamboats on the Hudson River in 1807.
About the Artist: Antonio Jacobsen (1849–1921) was a Danish-born artist who came to the United States in 1873. He was famous for his maritime art and his especially accurate portrayal of the ships he painted.
View of Albany
David Coughtry, Oil on Canvas, 1986
On loan from the Albany Institute of History and Art
Construction of the Empire State Plaza went from 1962–1978 and was one of the most ambitious public works projects in state history.
About the Artist: David Coughtry (1953) studied at SUNY Albany and is an active artist and currently teaches studio art at Principia College.