Who was Peter Frederick Rothermel?

Peter Frederick Rothermel was an American painter, recognized for his contributions to history painting and portraiture. He was associated with the Romanticism art movement.

When and where was Peter Frederick Rothermel born?

Peter Frederick Rothermel was born on July 8, 1812, in Nescopeck, Pennsylvania. While some sources suggest alternative birth years, his gravestone confirms 1812 as the year of his birth.

What are the different birth years cited for Peter Frederick Rothermel?

Various sources list Peter Frederick Rothermel's birth year as 1813, 1814, or 1817. However, his gravestone in Philadelphia indicates the year 1812.

When and where did Peter Frederick Rothermel die?

Peter Frederick Rothermel died on August 15, 1895, in Linfield, Pennsylvania, at the age of 78.

What was Peter Frederick Rothermel's primary artistic focus?

Peter Frederick Rothermel primarily focused on creating dramatic historical paintings and portraits.

What artistic movement is Peter Frederick Rothermel associated with?

Peter Frederick Rothermel is associated with the Romanticism movement in art.

Who provided artistic instruction to Peter Frederick Rothermel?

Peter Frederick Rothermel was instructed in drawing by John Rubens Smith and later became a pupil of Bass Otis in Philadelphia.

What was Peter Frederick Rothermel's early career path before becoming a full-time artist?

Before pursuing art, Peter Frederick Rothermel studied land surveying. Upon moving to Philadelphia at age 20, he initially worked as a sign painter.

At what age did Peter Frederick Rothermel begin his formal art studies?

Peter Frederick Rothermel began studying art formally at the age of 22.

What event marked Peter Frederick Rothermel's first significant artistic success?

Peter Frederick Rothermel's first significant success as an artist occurred in 1844 when his painting, *De Soto discovering the Mississippi*, was purchased by the Art Union.

What leadership roles did Peter Frederick Rothermel hold in art organizations?

Peter Frederick Rothermel served as the vice president of the Artists' Fund Society in 1844 and held the position of director at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from 1847 to 1855.

During which years did Peter Frederick Rothermel travel in Europe, and where did he spend most of his time?

Peter Frederick Rothermel traveled in Europe between 1856 and 1859, residing in Rome for approximately two years during this period.

Which European countries did Peter Frederick Rothermel visit during his 1856-1859 travels?

During his European travels, Peter Frederick Rothermel visited England, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy.

Name one notable artist who was taught by Peter Frederick Rothermel.

Charles Lewis Fussell was one of the notable artists taught by Peter Frederick Rothermel at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

What are two of Peter Frederick Rothermel's most renowned historical paintings?

Two of Peter Frederick Rothermel's most famous historical paintings are *Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses*, completed in 1851, and *The Battle of Gettysburg*, painted in 1871.

Where can the painting *Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses* be found?

The painting *Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses*, created in 1851, is housed at the Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial.

What is the location of Peter Frederick Rothermel's large painting depicting the Battle of Gettysburg?

The massive oil painting by Peter Frederick Rothermel, titled *Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge*, hangs in the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Who commissioned Peter Frederick Rothermel's painting of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg?

The painting *Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge* was commissioned by David McConaughy, a lawyer from Gettysburg.

Besides his famous Civil War and Revolutionary War paintings, what other historical work by Rothermel is mentioned as popular?

Another popular historical work by Peter Frederick Rothermel is *Columbus Before the Queen*, which he painted in 1844.

When did Peter Frederick Rothermel become a member of the American Philosophical Society?

Peter Frederick Rothermel was elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1873.

Where did Peter Frederick Rothermel live in his later years?

In 1877, Peter Frederick Rothermel relocated from Philadelphia to his country estate named Grassmere, situated near present-day Linfield, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death.

What is the current status of Peter Frederick Rothermel's former estate, Grassmere?

Peter Frederick Rothermel's former estate, Grassmere, located on Limerick Center Road near Linfield, Pennsylvania, still exists today and has been converted into a residential site.

Who was Peter Frederick Rothermel's son, and what was his public office?

Peter Frederick Rothermel's son was Peter F. Rothermel, Jr., who held the position of District Attorney of Philadelphia.

What kind of content is presented in the 'Gallery of works' section?

The 'Gallery of works' section presents a visual compilation of Peter Frederick Rothermel's paintings, including their titles and the years they were created, such as *Columbus Before the Queen* (1841) and *The Battle of Gettysburg* (1870).

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Columbus Before the Queen, 1841'.

The source material references the painting *Columbus Before the Queen*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1841, which depicts Christopher Columbus presenting his findings or seeking support from royalty.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael, 1845'.

The source material references the painting *Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1845, illustrating a biblical narrative from the Book of Genesis.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Frances Anne Kemble, 1849'.

The source material references the portrait *Frances Anne Kemble*, painted by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1849, likely depicting the notable British actress and writer.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Portrait of the Downer Children, 1850'.

The source material references the painting *Portrait of the Downer Children*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1850, which is a group portrait of children from the Downer family.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1851'.

The source material references the painting *Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1851, depicting the orator Patrick Henry addressing the colonial legislature.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, 1620, 1854'.

The source material references the painting *The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, 1620*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1854, which illustrates the arrival of the Pilgrims in North America.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'The United States Senate, A.D. 1850, ca. 1855'.

The source material references the painting *The United States Senate, A.D. 1850*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel around 1855, depicting a scene within the U.S. Senate during the mid-19th century.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'The King and the Beggar, 1856'.

The source material references the painting *The King and the Beggar*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1856, likely exploring themes of social contrast or divine justice.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Christ Among the Doctors, 1861'.

The source material references the painting *Christ Among the Doctors*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1861, depicting the biblical event where a young Jesus debated with religious scholars in the Temple.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'The Battle of Gettysburg, 1870'.

The source material references the painting *The Battle of Gettysburg*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1870, which is a depiction of the significant Civil War battle.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Preliminary study for The Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge, 1871'.

The source material references a preliminary study for *The Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1871, indicating preparatory work for his larger, famous depiction of the battle.

Describe the artwork referenced by the caption 'Thou Art the Man, 1884'.

The source material references the painting *Thou Art the Man*, created by Peter Frederick Rothermel in 1884, possibly alluding to a biblical or moralistic theme.

What are some of the other works by Peter Frederick Rothermel mentioned in the text?

Other works by Peter Frederick Rothermel include *Christabel*, *Katherine and Petruchio*, *Embarkation of Columbus*, *Christian Martyrs in the Colisseum*, and a series of paintings based on William H. Prescott's *History of the Conquest of Mexico* (circa 1850).

What other historical and religious themes did Peter Frederick Rothermel explore in his paintings?

Peter Frederick Rothermel explored various historical and religious themes, including paintings such as *Paul at Ephesus*, *Paul before Agrippa*, *St. Paul preaching on Mars Hill to the Athenians*, and *Trial of Sir Henry Vane*.

What are two of Peter Frederick Rothermel's later works listed under 'Other works'?

Two of Peter Frederick Rothermel's later works mentioned are *The Landsknecht*, painted in 1876, and *Bacchantes*, painted in 1884.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section in the provided text?

The 'Authority control' section provides standardized identifiers and links to external databases like ISNI, VIAF, GND, and the Library of Congress. This helps in uniquely identifying Peter Frederick Rothermel and connecting information about him across different cataloging systems.

What information is conveyed by the Wikimedia Commons link for Peter Frederick Rothermel?

The Wikimedia Commons link indicates that there are various media files, primarily images of Peter Frederick Rothermel's artworks, available for public access and use on the Wikimedia Commons platform.

What was the duration of Rothermel's stay in Rome during his European travels?

Peter Frederick Rothermel spent approximately two years in Rome during his European travels between 1856 and 1859.

What was the subject matter of Rothermel's painting *De Soto discovering the Mississippi*?

The painting *De Soto discovering the Mississippi* depicts the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's encounter with the Mississippi River. This work was significant as it marked Rothermel's first major success when purchased by the Art Union in 1844.

How is the scale of Rothermel's painting *The Battle of Gettysburg* described?

The source describes *The Battle of Gettysburg* as a 'massive oil painting,' suggesting it is a large-scale work.

What role did the Art Union play in Peter Frederick Rothermel's early career?

The Art Union played a crucial role by purchasing Peter Frederick Rothermel's painting *De Soto discovering the Mississippi* in 1844, which represented his first significant artistic recognition and success.

What level of formal education did Peter Frederick Rothermel receive?

Peter Frederick Rothermel received a common-school education.

What specific artistic skill did John Rubens Smith impart to Peter Frederick Rothermel?

John Rubens Smith provided instruction in drawing to Peter Frederick Rothermel.

What historical significance does the painting *Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses* hold?

The painting *Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses* captures a significant moment in American history, depicting the orator Patrick Henry addressing the colonial legislature of Virginia, likely during a period of political tension.

What does the painting *The United States Senate, A.D. 1850* suggest about Rothermel's artistic interests?

The painting *The United States Senate, A.D. 1850* indicates Peter Frederick Rothermel's interest in depicting important American political institutions and historical settings, reflecting significant aspects of the nation's governance during that era.

Peter F. Rothermel Wiki: Peter F. Rothermel: A 19th-Century American Master of Historical Narrative

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Formative Years: Genesis of an Artist

Birth and Early Education

Peter Frederick Rothermel was born on July 8, 1812, in Nescopeck, Pennsylvania. While some sources cite alternative birth years (1813, 1814, 1817), his gravestone confirms 1812 as the birth year. He received a common-school education and initially studied land surveying.^[1]^[2]

Philadelphia Beginnings

At the age of 20, Rothermel relocated to Philadelphia, embarking on a career as a sign painter. Subsequently, at 22, he dedicated himself to the formal study of art. His artistic tutelage included drawing instruction from John Rubens Smith, followed by studies under Bass Otis in Philadelphia.^[3]^[4]

Artistic Ascent: A Distinguished Career

Early Recognition

Rothermel achieved his first significant artistic success in 1844 when his painting, De Soto discovering the Mississippi, was acquired by the Art Union. This marked a pivotal moment, establishing his presence in the art world.^[4]

Institutional Roles

His commitment to the arts community was evident through his service as vice president of the Artists' Fund Society in 1844. Furthermore, he held a directorship at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from 1847 to 1855, contributing to the institution's development.^[3]

European Sojourn

Between 1856 and 1859, Rothermel spent approximately two years residing in Rome, Italy, as part of an extensive European tour. This period also included visits to major cultural centers across England, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, enriching his artistic perspective.^[3]

Teaching and Influence

Upon his return to the United States, Rothermel settled back in Philadelphia. He was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and also dedicated time to teaching. Among his notable students was the artist Charles Lewis Fussell, underscoring his role as an educator.^[3]^[5]

Visual Narratives: A Gallery of Masterpieces

Iconic Historical Paintings

Rothermel was renowned for his dramatic historical paintings and portraits. His most celebrated works capture pivotal moments in history and portraiture:

Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses (1851): A powerful depiction of a significant moment in American revolutionary history, housed at the Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial.^[6]
The Battle of Gettysburg (1870): A monumental oil painting, also known as Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge, commissioned by David McConaughy and now displayed at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.^[7]
Columbus Before the Queen (1841): An early notable work showcasing his skill in narrative composition.^[Columbus]
Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael (1845): A biblical narrative rendered with dramatic intensity.^[Abraham]
Frances Anne Kemble (1849): A notable portrait capturing the likeness of the celebrated actress and writer.^[Kemble]
Portrait of the Downer Children (1850): Demonstrates his ability in capturing the innocence and character of his young subjects.^[Downer]
The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, 1620 (1854): Depicts a foundational event in American history.^[Pilgrims]
The United States Senate, A.D. 1850 (ca. 1855): A large-scale representation of a significant governmental body.^[Senate]
The King and the Beggar (1856): Explores themes of social contrast and human condition.^[King]
Christ Among the Doctors (1861): A religious theme rendered with characteristic dramatic flair.^[Christ]
Preliminary study for The Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett's Charge (1871): Offers insight into his meticulous preparation for major works.^[Study]
Thou Art the Man (1884): A later work, possibly exploring moral or narrative themes.^[Man]

Additional Contributions: A Broader Portfolio

Extensive Body of Work

Beyond his most famous pieces, Rothermel's artistic output encompassed a wide array of subjects and styles. His portfolio includes numerous other significant paintings:

Christabel
Katherine and Petruchio
De Soto discovering the Mississippi (1844)
Embarkation of Columbus
Christian Martyrs in the Colosseum
A series of paintings illustrating William H. Prescott's History of the Conquest of Mexico (circa 1850)
The Virtuoso (1855)
Vandyke and Rubens (1856)
St. Agnes (1858)
Paul at Ephesus
Paul before Agrippa
St. Paul preaching on Mars Hill to the Athenians
Trial of Sir Henry Vane
The Landsknecht (1876)
Bacchantes (1884)

Scholarly Foundations: Reference Notes

Citations and Sources

The information presented on this page is derived from established scholarly and archival sources, ensuring a foundation of factual accuracy. These references provide further context and verification for the biographical and artistic details of Peter F. Rothermel's life and work.

Art, Archives of American. "Summary of the Peter Frederick Rothermel papers, 1844-1895 - Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution". Retrieved July 14, 2016.
Peter Frederick Rothermel, I (1812 - 1895) - Find A Grave Memorial. Find a Grave. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
Wilson, J. G.; Fiske, J., eds. (1900). "Rothermel, Peter Frederick". Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography. New York: D. Appleton.
Grafly, Dorothy (1935). "Rothermel, Peter Frederick". Dictionary of American Biography. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. p. 187.
"Archives | Philadelphia Sketch Club". sketchclub.org. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
Hill, Patrick Henry's Red. "Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses". Patrick Henry's Red Hill. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
See Picture of the Battle of Gettysburg, painted by P. F. Rothermel. Philadelphia: Dunk, Longacre & Co., 1877
"APS Member History". search.amphilsoc.org. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
Peter Frederick Rothermel - Columbus before the Queen - 1976.119 - Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael, 1845 - Peter Frederick Rothermel.
Frances Anne ('Fanny') Kemble by Peter Frederick Rothermel.
Peter Frederick Rothermel - Portrait of the Downer Children - 2000.8 - Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, 1620, 1854 - Peter Frederick Rothermel.
The United States Senate, A.D. 1850, ca. 1855 - Peter Frederick Rothermel.
'The King and the Beggar' by Peter Frederick Rothermel, Dayton Art Institute.
Peter Frederick Rothermel - Christ Among the Doctors - 1935.209.1 - Reading Public Museum.
Peter Frederick Rothermel - Prepatory Sketch for Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg - 64.450 - Museum of Fine Arts.
Thou Art the Man, 1884 - Peter Frederick Rothermel.

Further Exploration: External Resources

Connected Resources

For deeper engagement with the subject matter, consult the following external resources:

Wikimedia Commons: Media related to Peter F. Rothermel
Lehigh University webpage dedicated to Rothermel
Getty Union Artist Names (ULAN) entry
RKD Artists database entry
SNAC (Social Networks and Archival Context) profile
Yale University Art Gallery LUX entry

Bibliographic Authority

Standardized Identifiers

These identifiers ensure consistent referencing and cataloging across various databases:

International: ISNI, VIAF, GND, FAST, WorldCat
National: Library of Congress

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References

See Picture of the Battle of Gettysburg, painted by P. F. Rothermel. Philadelphia: Dunk, Longacre & Co., 1877

A full list of references for this article are available at the Peter F. Rothermel Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional art historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding art history, provenance, or conservation. Always refer to primary sources, consult with art historians, curators, or conservators for specific inquiries, and conduct your own due diligence.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Peter F. Rothermel: Chronicler of American History

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Formative Years: Genesis of an Artist 🌱

🎂 Birth and Early Education

🏛️ Philadelphia Beginnings

Artistic Ascent: A Distinguished Career 📈

🌟 Early Recognition

🏛️ Institutional Roles

🌍 European Sojourn

🎓 Teaching and Influence

Visual Narratives: A Gallery of Masterpieces 🖼️

📜 Iconic Historical Paintings

Additional Contributions: A Broader Portfolio 📚

🎨 Extensive Body of Work

Scholarly Foundations: Reference Notes 📝

🔗 Citations and Sources

Further Exploration: External Resources 🌐

🔗 Connected Resources

Bibliographic Authority ID

🗂️ Standardized Identifiers

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Formative Years: Genesis of an Artist

Birth and Early Education

Philadelphia Beginnings

Artistic Ascent: A Distinguished Career

Early Recognition

Institutional Roles

European Sojourn

Teaching and Influence

Visual Narratives: A Gallery of Masterpieces

Iconic Historical Paintings

Additional Contributions: A Broader Portfolio

Extensive Body of Work

Scholarly Foundations: Reference Notes

Citations and Sources

Further Exploration: External Resources

Connected Resources

Bibliographic Authority

Standardized Identifiers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice