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Article: Highlights from the collection of paintings and sculpture.(Library Company of Philadelphia)
- Article from:
- The Magazine Antiques
- Article date:
- August 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Brant Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The Library Company of Philadelphia was founded in 1731, but it was not until 1791 that it acquired its own building. Designed by Dr. William Thornton (1759-1828), later the first architect of the United States Capitol, Library Hall was a brick and marble neoclassical structure located at the corner of Fifth and Library streets (see p. 59, Fig. 3). (1) Thornton's handsome building became an object of civic pride as well as a catalyst within the institution for the creation of a collection of painting and sculpture that now includes the work of both European and American artists and reflects many of the most important aspects of the library's history, mission, membership, ...