Artist/Maker

Pleasants, Albert

Place Made

Date Made

1841-1844

Medium

oil on canvas

Dimensions

Canvas: HOA: 24 1/8″ WOA: 36 3/16″ (
With frame); HOA: 27 1/16″; WOA: 39 1/8″

Accession Number

3543

Description

DESCRIPTION: Painting, oil on canvas, of Richmond, Virginia with view of a river with hill on the right. The capital building is in view to the left of the center. There are numerous buildings, and to the left side of the center there are three ships with steam stacks. Four figures face away in the foreground, and to the right are a house and two cows. To the left of the figures in the foreground is a pier that extends out into the river. Beyond the pier is a man in a small boat.

History

ATTRIBUTION: This painting is attributed based on a similar view, signed by Pleasants. This view has a somewhat different perspective from the signed version, however, and it is a more finished painting. The three ships with stacks indicate steam vessels, and these stacks are not visible in the earlier version signed by Pleasants.

SCENE: The river is the James River, with Church Hill on the right. The capital building is in view left of center. Other buildings identifiable are: Monumental Church, 1814; old City Hall, 1816; the cupola of First Baptist Church at 12th and Broad, 1841. This building is behind the Governor’s mansion. The Egyptian building and St. Paul’s church, both constructed in 1845, are missing. This indicates that the painting was done 1841-1844.

Artist Biography

ARTIST: Albert C. Pleasants was the son of Archibald and Mary (Brend) Pleasants, who married in November 1812. Albert C. Pleasants was a Quaker and his birthdate is unknown. The Pleasants were from Henrico and Richmond Counties.

Credit Line

Gift of Grayco