A Peep through the Arch, Wissahickon

1862

Francis T. Fassitt

Associated Names
Francis T. Fassitt

Artist, American, 1823 - 1905

This image shows an old sepia-toned stereographic photograph of a scene under a stone arch bridge. The viewpoint is from beneath the arch looking out towards a small creek. The horizon is low beyond the arch and is obscured by bare winter trees. The stone arch is textured with visible individual bricks forming a classic structure. The photo has a monochromatic palette of subdued browns and grays. Closest to the viewer are uneven stone and rocky surfaces under the arch. In the distance, there is a figure relaxing against a slope beside the creek. The water in the creek reflects light, providing contrast to the darker tones of the stones and trees.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    stereoscopic albumen silver prints

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Funds from Clinton and Jean Wright

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet (each): 7.8 × 6.9 cm (3 1/16 × 2 11/16 in.)
    mount: 8.3 × 17.2 cm (3 1/4 × 6 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2024.42.3


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Allen Weiner); (William L. Schaeffer / Photographs, Chester, CT); NGA purchase, 2024.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2017

  • East of the Mississippi, National Gallery of Art, Washington; New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, 2017 - 2018, no. 86.

Inscriptions

on verso, center stamped in blue ink: F.T.F.; center right printed in black ink on applied label perpendicular: AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCHANGE CLUB. / [by artist in black ink: A peep through the / Arch. Wissahickon / Neg tannin. Alk Gold / Printed March 1862] / F. T. FASSITT, / PHILADELPHIA.