Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-30
Damaged by Dampness.

At this time there was a circular open
ing inclosed by an iron railing In the
center of the floor of the rotunda, and
from the crypt or lower rotunda damp
air assembled also from the walls and
from outside atmosphere the paintings
were liable to injury. In fact, In few
months there were indications or mlldeW
and May 26, 1928, the commissioner OF
public buildings was directed to take
measures to secure them from the effects
of dampness under Col. Trumbulrs direc-
ton. The latter made report to the
Speaker Of the House In December fol-
lowing. He regarded the admission
OF damp air from the crypt as the great
cause of the evil and recommended the
opening in the floor be closed, and 1t was
done He had had all the paintings
taken from the frames, removed to dry
room. thoroughly examined, cleaned and
dried and the backs treated to thick
coat of beeswax and turpentine applied
not and rubbed In with hot irons. To pre-
vent any possible exudation of moisture
tered with hydraulic cement and space
left behind the canvas for ventilation.
etc. o
He also noted that the paintings were
liable to damage by repeated handilnS
and one had been cut, apparently by
nenknife This wound he had repaired,
but the scar remains. The pictures were
| replaced in their frames and have since
been the most interesting and hlshest
| priced of the numerous works OF ART
which have been placed in the building.
| In the meantime, at Col Trumbulfs sug-
gestion there were changes made about
| the old dome to improve the light.
Morse an Applicant.
Tn 1926 the National Academy Of De-
sign had been formed in New York by
many artists with Prof. s. F. B. Morse
as president, and numbers looked for COM
missions to fill the remaining four panels.
Prof. Morse, who had made a success in
modelling The Death of Hercules and
in painting taken a high rank, devoted
four years, 1928, in Europe to the
study of historical painting. in view of
| obtaining a commission. and prepared a
sketch of THE Germ of the Republic" on
his return. John Vanderiyn OF New YORK,
a protege of Aaron Burr. in his palmy
| days one of the oldest of American art
| lists was regarded as sure of an order.
| There were many anxious for the. honor,
| first and last the claims of over fifty
being made. Mr. Inman proposed to paint
| the Immigration of Daniel Boone" and
| others had other subjects. In June, 1886,
| contracts were authorized to be made
with John Vanderlyn, Mr.. Inman. Robert
! Weir and John G. Chapman for four
| paintings illustrating the discovery of
America, the settlement of the United
States. the history of the revolution or
the adoption of the Constitution.
| The committee. February %, 1887, re-
ported that two had agreed to undertake
the work and they expected the others
would. but some years would be required.
March 3 following an eight-thousand-
dollar appropriation was made, and the
four artists took the work. Soon after
Mr. Inman, on account of his health, gave
I'D the work and suggested that Prof.
Morse be employed, but the commission
was not then given him; nor ten years
after, when many friends urged that he
be selected.
Hung in 1843.