Berks County Almshouse, 1880

John Rasmussen

Created:
Movement:
1880
Realism
key Notes:
Rural landscape, Historical architecture
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Dimensions:
32 5/8 x 40 in. (82.9 x 101.6 cm)
medium:
Oil and gold paint on zinc
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

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Berks County Almshouse, 1880 by John Rasmussen

John Rasmussen, an artist known for his detailed depictions of rural American life, created "Berks County Almshouse, 1880" using oil and gold paint on zinc. This work is significant for its meticulous representation of the almshouse, a social institution that provided care for the poor and destitute during the 19th century. Rasmussen's choice of medium, particularly the use of zinc, is notable for its durability and unique textural qualities, which enhance the painting's visual impact. The inclusion of gold paint adds a layer of richness and depth, highlighting Rasmussen's skill in combining materials to achieve a luminous effect. Historically, the painting offers insight into the architectural and social landscape of Berks County, Pennsylvania, during this period. Rasmussen's work contributes to the broader understanding of American folk art and the role of almshouses in the social fabric of the time.

Description of the work:

"Berks County Almshouse, 1880" by John Rasmussen is an oil and gold paint on zinc artwork depicting the architectural structure of the Berks County Almshouse in Pennsylvania. The painting exemplifies a detailed and realistic style, capturing the essence of 19th-century American institutional architecture.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Berks County Almshouse, 1880