Object Details
- Description
- In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
- The painted cartouche is attributed to the Lafayette Hose Company No. 22 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was active from 1833-1871. The fact that the painting is small and circular indicates that it may not have been a fire engine panel, and could have been used for a funeral procession honoring Lafayette after his death. Lafayette was highly respected due to his military service in the Continental Army and the role France played in winning the Revolutionary War. He was greeted with parades and celebrations on his return to the United States in 1824, and many fire companies participated in funeral processions upon his death to honor his contribution to the founding of the nation.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- artist attribution
- Sully, Thomas
- Woodside, John Archibald
- date made
- 1830-1849
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- oil paint (image material)
- Measurements
- overall: 7 in x 6 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 16.51 cm
- Object Name
- painting, engine panel
