Patrick Henry in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, delivering his Celebrated Speech against the Stamp Act, (painting)

Object Details

artist

Rothermel, P. F.

Subject

Henry, Patrick

Appears in exhibition catalog as entry no. [not numbered]

Painted by P.F. Rothermel, at the Price of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, as the first prize, for the year 1852, for the members of the Art Union of Philadelphia. DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTURE. The picture represents the thrilling event in our colonial history, of PATRICK HENRY delivering his famous speech against the Stamp Act, in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, in 1765. The scene chosen by the painter is at the moment when Henry, according to his biographer, Mr. Wirt, was enforcing his opposing resolutions; the daring moment when he made use of the memorable language, "Caesar had his Brutus! Charles the First his Cromwell, and George the Third--." At this moment the Speaker cried "treason!" and "treason, treason!" was re-echoed in every part of the House. Henry faltered not an instant, but rising to a loftier attitude, and fixing on the Speaker an eye of the most determined fire, he finished the sentence with the firmest emphasis--"may profit by their example! If this be treason, make the most of it!" . . . [Excerpted from a Gallery Notice that describes the work and includes an illustrated key enumerating the principal groups and individuals represented. The key also states that the size of the work is 6 x 7 feet; that the line engraving being executed by Alfred Jones is 23 x 18 inches; and that each subscriber for 1852 would receive an impression thereof.]

Patrick Henry in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, delivering his celebrated Speech against the Stamp Act. Painted by P.F. Rothermel, at the price of one thousand dollars, as the first prize, for the year 1852, for the members of the Art Union of Philadelphia.

1876

Control number

AECI 08240001

Type

Paintings

Exhibition Catalogs

Pre-1877 Art Exhibition Catalogue Index

Topic

Portrait male

Occupation--Political--Statesman

Architecture interior--Civic

Record ID

siris_aeci_121687

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