The Presidents House, Washington by Henry Brown and Carter, Andrews & Co.

The Presidents House, Washington by Henry Brown and Carter, Andrews & Co.

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Description
Identified as the President’s House, this early view of the White House is a black and white line engraving depicting a Greek Revival-style building with two stories and a lower level. The image, a view during the Jackson presidency, features the South Portico and curved paths framed by brick walls.
During this period much attention was given to the grounds, walks, shrubbery, and flower gardens, which were the pride of the president, the White House gardener John Ousley, and city gardener Jemmy Mahler. The White House was popularly known as President’s House, President’s Mansion, or President’s Palace during the period. It was formally named the Executive Mansion from 1810 until 1901 until Theodore Roosevelt established the name White House–Washington. This print is similar to prints of British and European palaces and estates, proclaiming a national pride in the home of the American president. The print would have been published in a view book with other like engravings and purchased as a gift, commemorative, or souvenir of Washington by an affluent member of society.
The publishing company Carter, Andrews & Co. was based out of Lancaster, Massachusetts. Established in the 1830’s, the original drawing appears to have been created by H. Brown during this period but may have been published later. The engraver may have been Samuel Walker or J. Andrews but is not indicated on the print.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
engraving
Object Type
Engraving
Date made
ca 1831-1850
maker
Carter, Andrews & Co.
artist
Brown, H.
maker
Andrews, Joseph
place made
United States: Massachusetts, Lancaster
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
ink (overall material)
Measurements
image: 5 1/8 in x 8 in; 13.0175 cm x 20.32 cm
ID Number
DL.60.3673
catalog number
60.3673
Credit Line
Harry T. Peters "America on Stone" Lithography Collection
subject
Architecture, Domestic Buildings
White House
Architecture, Historic Residences
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
NMAH Reception Suite
Art
Peters Prints
Domestic Furnishings
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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