Who painted First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia?

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia was painted by Frederick DeBourg Richards in 1859.

Where can I see First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia?

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia?

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia

Frederick DeBourg Richards , 1859

First Bank of the United States, Philadelphia is a photography by the Impressionist artist Frederick DeBourg Richards. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Check out Frederick DeBourg Richards (American, 1822–1903) for more of his architectural photos.

This painting shows a grand neoclassical building with big columns and a dome. It’s a warm-toned cityscape with sharp details, almost like a marble mansion. The artist used photography’s precision to capture the bank’s quiet power in 1859.

Richards trained as a painter but switched to photography. Early cameras couldn’t hold much light, so this shot’s rich tones were rare back then. The bank itself was newsworthy—it was America’s first, built in 1797.

Check out Frederick DeBourg Richards (American, 1822–1903) for more of his architectural photos.

Overview

This photograph, taken by Frederick DeBourg Richards in 1859, presents the First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia. The image is characterized by its warm tones and sharp details, showcasing Richards' skill in capturing complex architectural compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The bank, designed by Samuel Blodgett and Joseph P. LeGrand, is depicted as a grand neoclassical building with a marble façade, columns, and a dome. The photograph conveys the bank's quiet power and significance as America's first bank, completed in 1797.

Technique & Style

Richards, trained as a painter, utilized photography's precision to capture the scene. The image's rich tones and detailed rendering were notable achievements given the technical limitations of early photography, which often struggled with capturing nuanced lighting.

History & Provenance

The First Bank of the United States was a significant architectural landmark, being one of the first buildings in the United States to feature a classic marble façade. Richards' photograph provides a rare glimpse into the city's architectural and street life during the mid-19th century.