The Hudson River Portfolio:
A Beginning for the Hudson River School
August 3 – November 30, 2014

Curated by Steven Miller, Executive Director
Boscobel House & Gardens

This summer and fall Boscobel will show a suite of famous aquatints made between 1821 and 1825 and published in New York City, The Hudson River Portfolio. The images were for a subscription-based venture and contain 20 hand-colored prints. Each picture is about 20 by 30 inches and depicts an iconic view along the river from north of Troy south to Governor’s Island.

The exhibit is augmented with a bound copy of the entire Portfolio on loan from Historic Hudson Valley, Pocantico Hills, NY and ceramics depicting Portfolio views on loan from Post Road Gallery, Larchmont, NY.

The portfolio is on loan from the Museum of the City of New York where for sixteen years Steven Miller was curator of paintings, prints and photographs. In conjunction with the exhibit, Boscobel will publish a catalogue illustrating each print. It will have a scholarly essay by Nicole Simpson. In addition to being offered for general use, these are distributed free to art and academic libraries.

Published by Henry I. Megarey of New York City between the years 1821-1825, the prints were executed by John Hill based on watercolors specifically made for the portfolio by William G. Wall. Historic Hudson Valley has a rebound volume of the portfolio which Boscobel will borrow to give a sense of how they were presented when the product was originally completed.

The Hudson River Portfolio was unusual for its day and set a precedent for such endeavors. The views presaged the establishment of the Hudson River Valley as an inspirational source of artistic imagery.

This exhibition is open for viewing during regular business hours August 3 through November 30, 2014 and is free with paid admission to the house or grounds.