Richard Morris Hunt’s architectural genius radiates from the chambers of The Breakers in Newport, R.I., The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., the great entrance wing to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty, among other notable structures. Ports of Entry: Richard Morris Hunt’s Architectural Drawings from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Gates of Central Park consists of twenty-five architectural drawings that Hunt created between 1847 and 1863 on loan from the Print and Drawings ... Read more
Richard Morris Hunt’s architectural genius radiates from the chambers of The Breakers in Newport, R.I., The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., the great entrance wing to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty, among other notable structures. Ports of Entry: Richard Morris Hunt’s Architectural Drawings from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Gates of Central Park consists of twenty-five architectural drawings that Hunt created between 1847 and 1863 on loan from the Print and Drawings Collection of The Octagon, American Architectural Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Richard Morris Hunt, often called the dean of American architecture, was the first American to study architecture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Twelve elegantly fashioned drawings featured in this exhibition are unrealized designs that Hunt executed from 1847 to 1854 as a student in Europe and reveal the foundation of Hunt’s architectural style. Hunt’s ambitious but unrealized plan for the National Academy of Design, created in 1861, is also included. Additionally, twelve drawings created by Hunt in 1863 of his gateway designs for Central Park are examples of his grand vision. The gateways failed to gain final approval in part because they were at odds with the conception of the park’s superintendent Frederick Law Olmsted and the architect Calvert Vaux, who desired that the visitor move directly and without fanfare from the street into Central Park. These unique views of 19th century New York unveil Hunt’s brilliant conception and skillful draftsmanship.
