Image: Schenectady Harbor, 1814, acrylic on canvas, 9x12 inches, original painting, 1992. Collection: Karen Engelke, Schenectady, New York
Description: Prior to the construction of the Erie Canal, passengers who were headed westward disembarked from Schenectady at the juncture of the Binnekill Creek and the Mohawk River. The painting depicts the Stockade area of the city shortly before the great fire of 1819. A Mohawk River bateau makes its way toward the wharf. This is the only known image of Schenectady harbor before the fire.
Size and Medium: Original painting, 1992, acrylic on canvas, 9x12 inches.
Collection: Karen Engelke, Schenectady, New York
Supplemental Materials: Artist's pencil studies, color studies; present day site location map; photographs of present day site; artifacts and models, (NYSM); full-size replica of Mohawk River bateau (NYSM).
Support Documents: Early History of Schenectady, John Sanders, 1879 (Schenectady County Historical Society); map, Part of Ward 1, Schenectady, 1880 (SCHS); newspaper article, The Cabinet, Nov. 24, 1819 (SCHS); research papers of Phil Lord, New York State Museum.
Consultants: Phil Lord, New York State Museum.
Relive 400 years of New York State history through over 30 paintings and 60 drawings and sketches by acclaimed regional artist and architect L. F. Tantillo. Vividly recreating historical events through research and artistic invention, Tantillo captures the spirit of New York's past for which no previous image exists. The exhibit also includes a selection of historical maps, models, and other artifacts used by Tantillo to develop the images for his paintings.
Visions of New York State: The Historical Paintings of L. F. Tantillo opens on September 7 and runs through November 3. A public reception will be held Saturday, September 7, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The University Art Museum is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. The Museum is closed to the public on Mondays.
For further information, please call Corinna Ripps Schaming at 518-442-4035.