Germon's Temple of Art

1860s

Washington L. Germon

Associated Names
Washington L. Germon

Artist, American, 1823 - 1877

This is a photograph of a building facade, specifically the entrance to Germon's Temple of Art located at 914 Arch Street. The image captures a mid-19th century urban streetscape, highlighting a grand architectural structure with a richly decorated facade. The building features a large arched entryway flanked by ornate columns and intricate embellishments. Above the entrance, the name "Germon's Temple of Art" is prominently displayed, accompanied by classical architectural details such as cornices and decorative motifs. The shop windows on either side exhibit framed items, possibly photographs or artworks, suggesting the establishment's purpose as a venue for art and possibly photography. The photograph, with its sepia tone and detail, conveys the historical context and architectural style of the period.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print (carte-de-visite)

  • Credit Line

    Robert B. Menschel Fund

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 9.8 × 5.8 cm (3 7/8 × 2 5/16 in.)
    mount: 10.1 × 6.1 cm (4 × 2 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2021.122.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Thomas Harris, New York); NGA purchase, 2021.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower center on mount printed in black ink: GERMON'S TEMPLE OF ART, / 914 Arch Street.; on verso, upper center printed in black ink: GERMON'S / Temple of Art, / 914 ARCH STREET, / Philadelphia.; center and lower center: This magnificent Photographic Establishment / is furnished throughout with everything that art / or a refined taste could suggest. / The Operating Rooms are on the second floor, / and particularly noticeable as being among the / largest and best arranged of any in the country; / the Operators skillful and obliging. / In the corps of artists rank some of the best / colorists in the country, and only those of ac- / knowledged reputation and ability. / All the various styles of pictures known to the / art, made in a manner as near perfection as / possible, and all improvements or additions in- / troduced as soon as made and perfected. / Your patronage is solicited.

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