Eichholtz travelled to Boston in 1811-12 to study with accomplished portrait artist, Gilbert Stuart. This travel was sponsored by Rev. Thomas Barton, rector of St. James Episcopal Church. Barton also commissioned this copy of Stuart's portrait of Washington.
Acquisition was made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Hamilton, The Thomas R. and Georgina T. Russo Family Foundation and The Richard C. von Hess Foundation
Painted portrait of William Albright (or Albrecht) (1793-1852) by Jacob Eichholtz, c. 1830
William Albright, or Albrecht, was born May 23, 1793 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to German printer, John Albright (1745-1806). He worked intermittently in Philadelphia as an ornamental painter, lithographic artist, limner, "dancing-master," and teacher of drawing from 1815 to 1845. Albright delineated the color plates for the "Floral Magazine and Botanical Repository" (Philadelphia, 1832-1834).
In 1820, Albright returned to Lancaster at his father's bequest, where until 1836, he published the "Staatsbothe" and continued the publication of the "New and Improved North American Almanac" started by Francis Bailey in 1775. On Christmas Day in 1821 he married Mary Weaver with whom he had one daughter, Anna M. Albright (1822-1855).
Albright returned to Philadelphia ca. 1837, and following a year as a dance master, taught drawing at 21 South Fifth Street until his death in 1852.
William Albright, or Albrecht, was born May 23, 1793 in Lancaster, PA. During his lifetime he worked as a printer, ornamental painter, lithographic artist, limner, dancing-master and teacher of drawing.
Between 1820 and 1836, Albright published a German-language newpaper in Lancaster, the 'Staatsbothe,' as well as the 'New and Improved North Americna Almanac.' Albright moved to Phila. in 1837 where he spent his remaining years teaching art.
On Christmas Day in 1821 William Albirhgt married Mary Weaver. The had one daughter, Anna M. Albright (1822-1855). The birth and death dates of Mary Weaver Albright are unknown.
Printed portrait of Thaddeus Stevens with full head of curly hair and stern gaze. Mounted in old molded oak frame with handcut paper window mat.
Under bust is "THADDEUS STEVENS: "OLD COMMONER./ APRIL 4, 1792 - AUGUST 11, 1808/ Chairman Committee of Ways and Means of U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War./ FEARLESS CHAMPION OF FREEDOM FOR THE OPPRESSED./ His unique service to the Common schools of Pennsylvania lay in retaining upon the Statue Book the Law of 1834 against the will and purpose of the majority of a Legislature elected and pledged to its repeal. In old age he spoke of this stern contest/ with much interest, and seemed to regard the memorable speech of April 11, 1835, in its results to the cause of General Education in the Commonwealth the best work of his life."
At the bottom left is "Engraved by Rea.", at center is "Lincoln Art Series: Copyright 1899, by J.P. McCaskey, Publisher, Lancaster, Pa." and at right is "Photograph by Eberman." Lower section of image has engraver's name "REA Sc."
McCaskey was a lifelong educator, principal & longtime writer of The Pennsylvania School Journal. Bio Annals notes he was a proponent of memory work in literature and he produced and displayed good portraits of notables in education (Thaddeus Stevens, Thomas Burrowes, etc.) appropriate mottoes, vocal and instrumental music, etc. In his later years, McCaskey published at lease 20 engraved images, called the "Lincoln Art Series," for display in homes and schools. He distributed many thousand copies to all parts of the country. Sometime during is long career as educator he was awarded and honorary M.A. degree and later a PhD. degree, both from Franklin and Marshall College (Bio Annals) (Written by Wendell Zercher)
Minor stains with liquid stains at very bottom (sitting in damp area), incipient breaks and creases run horizontally in several areas. Silverfish damage scattered mostly at bottom and around top & sides of image. one spot of damage under tie.
Frame is dark on face with some wear. Framing materials acidic and unprofessional.
Portrait of Thaddeus Stevens in gold-painted oval frame, an 1867 mezzotint of an 1862 photograph. Stevens' left shoulder is right front and he faces left. He wears a suit jacket, vest, white shirt with buttons and thin knotted necktie around the stand-up collar.
Typed on paper on back of piece: "Thaddeus Stevens./ The great commoner and promoter of the public school system/ practised (sic) law in Lancaster, Pennsylvania/ Uncle William T. Fulton, Esq., of Oxford, Chester Co. Pennsylvania,/ studied law under Thaddeus Stevens./ My father, Hugh R. Fulton, Esq., was a great admirer of Stevens/ and delivered lectures on his philosophy./ This picture, in its oval frame, hung in father's office,/ above his desk, throughout his fifty eight years practising (sic) law/ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania."
Below, written cursively in ink: "This should go to the/ Lancaster County/ Historical Society-/ E. J. Fulton"
Oval frame is 15.5' wide x 18.25' long with depth (about 1.5 inches)
On back are two eyebolts with wire loops attached for hanging.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-09-22
Condition Notes
Image is under glass. Small nick in gold paint on frame revealing plaster on lower outside of frame, center right. A chip off shiny gold paint on upper right.
Tiny cracks on both sides, inside of frame touching glass, middle of portrait.
Oval miniature portrait on ivory encased in glass of A. L. Evans by Jacob Eichholtz. Locket frame contains large viewable area in front with thin brass border. Rear of case contains a smaller oval viewing area intended for a lock of hair.
Presumed to be Alexander L. Evans (1799-1839), grandfather of Lilian S. Evans and father of Samuel Evans (father of Lilian). A.L. Evans buried in Donegal Presby. Church Cemetery.
