Portrait of David Witmer, Sr.
Companion to Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1970-254-2
Artist/maker unknown, American
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1835Medium:
Oil on canvas, mounted on panelDimensions:
41 5/8 x 35 3/4 inches (105.7 x 90.8 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
1970-254-1Credit Line:
The Collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1970
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1835Medium:
Oil on canvas, mounted on panelDimensions:
41 5/8 x 35 3/4 inches (105.7 x 90.8 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1970-254-1Credit Line:
The Collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1970
Label:
In addition to his occupations as farmer, miller, stage coach operator, and innkeeper, David Witmer supervised the construction of a stretch of the Lancaster Turnpike, a paved road between Lancaster and Philadelphia that passed near the town where he lived. He later named the town Paradise and helped build the local school and the Mennonite meetinghouse, but was turned out of the congregation for having too fine a home and springs on his wagon. Literally depicting Witmer as a monumental figure in the community, the unidentified country portrait painter who rendered this image also captured the sitter’s force and intelligence.
In addition to his occupations as farmer, miller, stage coach operator, and innkeeper, David Witmer supervised the construction of a stretch of the Lancaster Turnpike, a paved road between Lancaster and Philadelphia that passed near the town where he lived. He later named the town Paradise and helped build the local school and the Mennonite meetinghouse, but was turned out of the congregation for having too fine a home and springs on his wagon. Literally depicting Witmer as a monumental figure in the community, the unidentified country portrait painter who rendered this image also captured the sitter’s force and intelligence.
