Portrait of the Reverend Dr. John Williamson Nevin mounted in an oval walnut ca. 1850 American Scoop Sully frame. The print of the portrait is signed by the artist, Julius Augustus Beck, the son of schoolmaster, John Beck of Lititz, PA. The photographer was either John D. Lemer or his brother, LeRue with whom John shared a studio as early as 1869, at 206 Market St., Harrisburg, PA; however, John also owned a studio at 1215 N. Third from 1887 to 1895..
Portrait of James Buchanan Henry in oval frame. Elaborate oval frame with light colored dry brushing. Henry faces the viewer; has long mustache, side parted light brown hair, blue eyes. Family history indicates that this was a self portrait by Henry, whose art career was discouraged by his uncle James Buchanan (the 15th US President).
Portrait of James Buchanan, painted by William McMaster. The artist painted this as a copy of his July 1856 Buchanan portrait after the General Election in November 1856. This portrait was commissioned by the Empire Club, which was a powerful political organization in New York during the mid-19th century. Captain Isaiah Rynders was the founder of the Club; his "sluggers" committed voter intimidation and election fraud on behalf of Tammany Hall throughout the 1840s and 1850s. The Empire Club purportedly paid McMaster $1,000 (equal to $28,571 today) to paint a copy of McMaster's July 1856 Buchanan portrait. This copy was hung in the Capitol Rotunda when Buchanan took office; however, at some point during his term, as his popularity began to sink, it was removed. Mounted in a Rococo Revival gilt wood and gesso frame with ornamental projecting corners featuring ornate scrolling foliage patterns with centre repose engraved with sculptural shells & acanthus leaves and fleur-de-lis patterns.
Man with mustache, glasses on a chain stuck in breast pocket, watch fob attached to his vest and bow tie. Written on the back "Top the Musser Choirs from their friend Dr. Thos. S. Hollinshead, Harrisburg Feb. 10/93"
