Collection Highlights
Brandywine bowl (brandewijnkom)
ca. 1700
1911.38
Silver
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Fire engine condenser case
Object name
Fire engine condenser case
Date
1830-1840
Medium
Wood, paint, gilding
Dimensions
Overall: 32 x 30 1/4 x 15 in. ( 81.3 x 76.8 x 38.1 cm )
Description
Wooden fire engine condenser case; half-cylindrical form with overhanging top and painted image on front framed by arch over pilasters, with elaborately carved oversize keystone and scrolling leaves in gilding on spandrels; painted image of landscape with female figure in foreground placing wreath on the head of a male portrait bust that stands on a pedestal next to her, with eagle in profile view on ground in front of pedestal.
Credit Line
Purchased from Elie Nadelman
Object Number
1937.1631
Gallery Label
According to the accession records, the painted image on this condenser case is the emblem of the Clinton Fire Company. The portrait bust in the foreground is that of De Witt Clinton, and on the right, in the distance, is a view of the city of Albany. This condenser case was probably used on Clinton Engine No. 41, which is mentioned in George W. Sheldon's description of the 1842 Croton Aqueduct Celebration parade (see "Story of the New York Volunteer Fire Department of the City of New York").
Provenance
The Folk Art Collection of Elie Nadelman
Bibliography
Denker, Ellen Paul. "Collector' legacies." The Magazine Antiques 167 (2005): 176-180.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
