Boscobel House and Gardens is opening a new, state-of-the-art exhibition gallery on the lower floor of the historic Boscobel House. “‘The Glorious Scenery Must Ever Excite’: Nineteenth Century American Paintings of the Hudson Highlands,” will inaugurate the exhibition gallery on Wednesday, July 2. The exhibit, open to all visitors to Boscobel, will be on display till October 1.
Spectacular views of the Hudson River and Highlands greet guests as they stroll the grounds of Boscobel. These views of Crow’s Nest, Storm King and Sugar Loaf Mountains, as well as West Point, have inspired poets and painters for centuries, and great works, many that will be in the exhibit, have depicted the majesty of the river and its surroundings. It will be a unique experience for visitors to the exhibition to witness both the views as well as the artwork they inspired
The exhibition, curated by Kenneth W. Maddox, PhD, includes 29 paintings by Hudson River School artists assembled especially for Boscobel from private collections and public institutions. Artists include Frank Anderson, Samuel Colman, Jasper F. Cropsey, David Johnson, Thomas P. Rossiter and John Ferguson Weir. Maddox is the art historian for the Newington-Cropsey Foundation in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., and an adjunct lecturer at New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
“We are thrilled that Ken Maddox was able to serve as the guest curator for this inaugural exhibit,” said Geoffrey Platt Jr, executive director of Boscobel House and Gardens. “This is an exciting expansion for Boscobel that we believe will enhance the experience for all of our visitors. To celebrate the painters of the Hudson River School, many of whom were inspired by the landscapes in Boscobel’s environs, seems the perfect way to introduce the exhibition gallery.”
In discussing the inaugural exhibit, Maddox commented, “Boscobel House, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, overlooks Constitution Island across to West Point and is set in one of the most spectacular scenic areas along the Hudson River. The area attracted numerous Nineteenth Century artists, both leading members of the Hudson River School, as well as lesser known painters of considerable talent. I felt it was appropriate that an exhibition at Boscobel, in its newly created gallery, commemorates the anniversary with views from its vicinity. The paintings in the exhibit are of views of the Hudson north from West Point to the Newburgh-Fishkill area and looking south, to Cold Spring and Indian Falls †thus creating a comprehensive display of images within a limited geographical area.”
The exhibition gallery, more than 1,200 square feet in size, will be open during regular Boscobel hours, Wednesday⁍onday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission for house tour and the exhibition gallery is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for children. Admission for the grounds and the exhibition gallery only is $8, children (6‱4) $5.
Boscobel is on scenic Route 9D. For information, 845-265-3638, extension 115, or www.boscobel.org .
