Works on View
Barkentine William H. Vanderbilt Off Buffalo
James Hope, Oil on Canvas, ca. 1867
On loan from the Buffalo History Museum
The completion of the Erie Canal, connecting New York City to Lake Erie, played an important role in expanding Great Lakes trade and helping upstate cities grow in the 19th century.
About the Artist: James Hope (1818–1892) was born in Scotland and later came to the United States. He was influenced by Frederic Church and spent the last twenty years of his life working out of his studio in Watkins Glen.
January Morn, Lafayette Square
John C. Rother, Oil on Canvas, 1895
On loan from the Buffalo History Museum
Depicted is a monument to Western New York soldiers who fought in the Civil War and the Buffalo Public Library as it appeared in 1887. The monument is still standing today.
About the Artist: John C. Rother (1845–1899) was a Buffalo native and artist. One of his most famous paintings was a portrait of future President Grover Cleveland while he served as Mayor of Buffalo.
Niagara Falls from Point View (Prospect Point)
Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas, c. 1860
On loan from the New York State Museum.
Millions of visitors each year experience the grandeur of Niagara Falls from Prospect Point. The small structure in the left center of this painting depicts Platt D. Babbitt’s (1822-1872) daguerreotype pavilion. In the 1850’s, Babbitt’s photographs of visitors at Prospect Point encouraged visitation and commercial tourism to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls Terrapin Point
Ferdinand Reichardt, Oil on Canvas, 1856
On loan from the Buffalo History Museum
Niagara Falls was formed more than 10,000 years ago when ice-age glaciers receded. Today, they play an important role in the cultural, social and economic life of Western New York.
About the Artist: Ferdinand Reichardt (1819–1895) was a famous Danish landscape artist who painted several American landscapes during a four-year tour of the United States.
Please note: This artwork is currently undergoing conservation treatment and is not on view at this time.
Scene at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901
Charles Abel Corwin, Oil on Canvas, 1901
On loan from the Buffalo History Museum
The city of Buffalo hosted the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. This World’s Fair-like event occupied 350 acres near what is now Delaware Park. Gondolas traveled the waters of the canal which surrounded the main area. The Temple of Music and the Triumphal Bridge are visible in the background.
About the Artist: Charles Abel Corwin (1857 – 1938) was a lithographer and painter who taught at the Chicago Art Institute. He specialized in museum murals and backgrounds for dioramas.