In a previous post I mentioned that researching the history of material in the FRHS collections is a favorite aspect of my work – “the thrill of the hunt,” you know – and this is another example.
The query:
Where was it in Medway, Massachusetts, that Robert Spear Dunning set up his easel and opened his paint box to capture Autumn at Medway?
Clearly, there was something about the vista that appealed to him as he wandered along the banks of the Charles River on that fall day in 1885. The muse hit home – he saw, he stopped, he put paint to panel. A moment in time, captured.
But where was he?
To find the location, the inquiry began.
In Medway, of course.
The answer:
A request for assistance directed to the Medway Historical Society (MHS) was answered in the quick by Paul Russell, vice-president of the organization; he possesses a vast knowledge of that town’s history, and, best of all, is willing to share it.
The most likely location was in the area of the Shaw Street Bridge in Medway – it spans the Charles River – and is depicted in this 1902 photograph, Shaw Street Bridge with Boaters. The original image is a glass plate negative preserved in the MHS collection and converted to a digital file by Paul.
In the painting, one has to account for artistic liberties, of course – the mountain for example – but the photograph does give us an idea of what inspired Dunning as he painted.
I am indebted to Paul and the MHS for identifying the location, and providing the image – much appreciated.
Thank you, Paul!
The next step:
Attempting to ascertain the provenance of the painting.
Where has it been since 1885? What was its history before being consigned to the auction block?
So, what is the purpose of all this one may ask – does it really matter?
Yes. It does.
Because to look at a painting is one thing, but to see a painting – to effectively interpret it – is quite another.
The subject of a painting and its history – the backstory – is an essential link in the chain of provenance. The goal is to forge as many links as possible, thus forming an historical narrative and, as best one can, document it for the record.
Very rewarding.
When one is successful, that is.
