University of the City of New York, Washington Square.

University of the City of New York, Washington Square.

This "University of the City of New York, Washington Square" water color print illustrates the landscape of Washington Square in 1850. According to websites of New York University and the Washington Square Park Conservancy, the Gothic Revival Building that stood on the northeast corner of Washington Square was New York University's first main campus building. However, it was demolished in 1895 and replaced by the Silver Center that still stands today. Starting in 1826, the ground in the center of the square served as a parade ground for the city's volunteer militia which helped to raise the value of nearby housing. This print captures important elements that Henry James described of Dr. Sloper's new home in his book, Washington Square. Dr. Sloper moved his family north to the square in 1835 to escape the commercial uproar that began to take over the area where they lived close to city hall. The modern, solid, white marble structures surrounding the enclosed square created an honorable and rich aura in the quiet neighborhood. This pure, established atmosphere embodied Dr. Sloper's proud and judgmental attitude, and reflected many of the stern choices he made regarding his daughter's well being.

I. N. Phelps Stokes Collection of American Historical Prints
- Individual prints, drawings, paintings and maps in the Stokes Collection

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. "University of the City of New York, Washington Square." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1850. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-7cc3-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

New York Public Library
http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-7cc3-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

September 7, 2015

Theresa Patti

1850

Watercolor Print