Provenance

The Honorable Robert H. Thayer

American, 1901 - 1984

Explore selected works

See all 319 works of art
This is an etching of an estate, viewed from a garden. The horizon is not prominently marked, obscured by the house and trees. There are birds in the sky. The fine lines in the etching show detailed architecture, with high roofs and an ornate facade. The color palette is monochrome, using variations of brown ink. There is a pond reflecting the estate, with people walking, one sitting with a dog. In the distance, foliage and the estate blend in a garden landscape.
Israël Silvestre, Veue de l'Hostel de Soissons, 1652, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.30

Veue de l'Hostel de Soissons

Israël Silvestre · 1652 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.30

The image shows a grand chateau to the right, set against a clear sky with fine lines that could represent clouds or be blank space. The chateau features classical architecture, multiple chimneys, and intricate rooflines. Detailed etching lines create texture, especially in the foliage of large trees on the left. The color scheme is black ink on light paper. There are figures in the foreground and near the chateau, with more trees and architectural elements visible in the distance.
Israël Silvestre, Veue du Chasteau d'Ansy le franc du coste du jeu de longue paume, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.14

Veue du Chasteau d'Ansy le franc du coste du jeu de longue paume

Israël Silvestre · · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.14

The image shows a detailed architectural drawing of a grand building viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The large structure features numerous windows and elaborately decorated facades. Additional structures can be seen in the distance, offering a sense of depth. The horizon is high, just above the rooftops of the buildings, and stylized clouds are sketched in delicate lines. The drawing technique is meticulous with fine lines and hatching providing shading. The color palette is sepia tones, giving a classical appearance. Close to us are gardens with pathways, trees, and figures engaged in various activities, adding life to the scene. The overall impression is one of elegance and architectural grandeur.
Israël Silvestre, L'hostel d'Angoulesme, 1652, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.18

L'hostel d'Angoulesme

Israël Silvestre · 1652 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.18

The image shows a landscape with a horizon at the upper part. Various elements such as trees, houses, and a building resembling a small palace are depicted in detailed, precise lines, typical of engraving techniques. The color scheme is monochromatic, using sepia tones for contrast. People are visible near the building, with more vegetation and structures in the background.
Israël Silvestre, Le Grotte de Meudon, 1655, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.20

Le Grotte de Meudon

Israël Silvestre · 1655 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.20

The image is an etching of the Luxembourg Palace as seen from the garden side from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is near the upper third of the image, showing the palace structure meeting the sky. The palace, with its classic architectural details, is intricately detailed through precise, linear engravings. To the left, a row of trees runs parallel to a stone wall, depicted with delicate cross-hatching representing foliage. The color palette is monochromatic, with rich brown ink on cream-colored paper. People in period clothing are shown closer to us, while figures in the distance appear to be walking leisurely.
Israël Silvestre, Veue du Luxembourg, 1655, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.35

Veue du Luxembourg

Israël Silvestre · 1655 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.35

The image shows a landscape with a castle complex in the distance, two figures on the left, and trees framing the sides. The sky has scattered clouds, and the color palette consists of sepia and deep brown tones. Architectural elements including turrets, a central tower, and a spire are visible on the horizon line.
Israël Silvestre, Plan general du Chasteau et petit Parc de Vincennes, 1668, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.25

Plan general du Chasteau et petit Parc de Vincennes

Israël Silvestre · 1668 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.25

The image is an etching showing buildings along a river. The horizon line is visible with rooftops and chimneys. The etching has detailed and defined brushstrokes creating texture in trees and clouds. The color palette consists of sepia or brown ink on pale paper. Close to the viewer are boats on the river with figures. In the distance, there are trees, vegetation, and open fields. The sky has soft clouds.
Israël Silvestre, Veue de Larcenal, 1655, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.21

Veue de Larcenal

Israël Silvestre · 1655 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.21

The image shows a scene near a riverbank with a high horizon line. A large building complex and trees are visible on the horizon. The fine and precise brushstrokes give detail to the architectural elements and foliage. The color palette is monochromatic with black ink and cream paper. Figures walk along a path leading to a stone wall and a small building, while boats sail on the water in the distance. Additional buildings line the opposite shoreline, and there are expansive clouds in the sky.
Israël Silvestre, Le coin des Bons hommes proche de Paris, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.16

Le coin des Bons hommes proche de Paris

Israël Silvestre · · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.16

The image displays a frontal view of an elaborate architectural structure labeled as "LHOSTEL DE VANDOMSE A PARIS." The perspective is direct and symmetrical, with the building in the center of the composition. Columns and intricate architectural details are precisely illustrated. The color palette is sepia, giving the scene a historical appearance. Several figures are depicted close to us, walking or standing in small groups. In the distance, the landscape includes tall trees and hills.
Israël Silvestre, L'Hostel de Vandosme a Paris, 1652, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.33

L'Hostel de Vandosme a Paris

Israël Silvestre · 1652 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.33

The image features an etching showing urban architecture from an elevated perspective. A large building is diagonally placed on the left side of the image. Intricately dressed figures walk along the street, and a horse-drawn carriage is visible. In the background, a river stretches into the distance with boats and buildings along its banks. The etching is detailed with fine lines and shading to indicate depth and texture, rendered in a monochromatic color palette.
Israël Silvestre, Veue de la Maison de Monsieur de Bretonuillerdans l'Isle Nostre Dame, 1664, etching, Gift of Robert H. Thayer, 1981.69.29

Veue de la Maison de Monsieur de Bretonuillerdans l'Isle Nostre Dame

Israël Silvestre · 1664 · etching ·  Accession ID  1981.69.29

Bibliography

1924

  • Otis, William A. A Genealogical and Historical Memoir of the Otis Family in America. Chicago, 1924: 496

1974

  • Who's Who in America. 38th ed. Chicago, 1974: 3056.

1984

  • The New York times Biographical Service 15 (1984): 143

  • The Washington Post, 29 January 1984: B4 [obituary]