Object number2024.17
Springside: South and West of Kitchen Garden and East Facade of Cottage
Date1852
Artist
Henry Gritten
(British, 1818-1873)
CultureBritish, American
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsUnframed: 25 3/16 x 37 1/2 in. (64 x 95.2 cm)
Framed: 32 3/16 x 44 x 3 1/4 in. (81.8 x 111.8 x 8.3 cm)
Framed: 32 3/16 x 44 x 3 1/4 in. (81.8 x 111.8 x 8.3 cm)
Credit LinePurchase, gift of Georgia Potter Gosnell, class of 1951, and Elizabeth Gosnell Miller, class of 1984
On View
On viewPeriod19th c
Classification(s)
Label TextThis wide view of the cottage and acreage of Springside depicts the tranquil charm of the land, giving a glimpse of the Hudson River and the lush hills behind. With sheep and cattle gently grazing, this is a scene of serenity. Notice the white villa behind the trees—this appears very similar to the home of Samuel F. B. Morse, neighbor and dear friend to Matthew Vassar. Morse’s home, Locust Grove, is located about 1.5 miles from Springside on Albany Post Road (now better known as Route 9), but could have been relocated by painter Henry Gritten to show their neighborly connection. Alternatively, it could be the villa that Andrew Jackson Downing and Calvert Vaux designed for Springside, but it remains speculative. Plans for a villa were made, but Vassar was content to stay in the gardener’s cottage and the villa was never built. In this painting of autumnal colors with the land full of undulating curves, it is easy to see how Vassar could be delighted with the beauty of the landscape and content with merely a cottage.
- Pippa Kennedy ’26
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge.
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