The Centennial International Exposition of 1876, the first official World's Fair in the United States was held in Philadelphia from May 10, 1876 to November tenth of that same year. The event also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, officially named the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine.
The event was held on more than 285-acces of land in Fairmont Park along the Schuylkill River on Fairgrounds designed by Herman J. Schwarzmann (1846-1891), a noted German born architect who practiced in Philadelphia and New York City. The grounds contained five major buildings: the Main Exposition Building, Memorial Hall (Art Gallery), Machinery Hall, Agriculture Hall, and Horticulture Hall. Although, in addition to these buildings, approximately 250 smaller structures were constructed by states, countries, companies, and other Centennial bureaus that focused on particular displays or services. Overall, nearly ten million visitors attended the exposition and thirty seven countries participated.
Interestingly, while visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art a few weeks ago, I saw a pair of outstanding vases that were displayed in Philadelphia in 1876. According to the museum, "This pair of vases commemorating the years 1776 and 1876 was designed and made specifically for the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. In addition to the Seal of the United States, which appears on both vases, the 1776 vase is decorated with references - a bust of George Washington, the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and canons above images of the sea - the country's struggle for independence. The 1876 vase features a bust of America and the names of the presidents from Washington to Grant along with depictions of wheat and fruit that suggest the young nation's prosperity. Both vases are mounted with bronze winged figures of victory and fame."
The large vases were designed by Felix Bracquemond (1833-1914), modeled by Eugene Delaplanche (1836-1891) and made by Haviland & Company in Limoges, France.
A Pair of Vases Manufactured for the Centennial Exposition in 1876
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
No comments:
Post a Comment