Church of the Pilgrims, Brooklyn, New York

Art Historical Context

This 1844 lithograph captures the Church of the Pilgrims, an early Congregational church in Brooklyn Heights designed by architect Richard Upjohn. Created through a collaboration involving printmakers Francis and Seymour Palmer and the noted artist Frances Flora Bond Palmer, the image showcases the Gothic Revival building with its distinctive tower and pointed arches. Produced using multiple tint stones in beige and blue, then finished with watercolor, the print exemplifies the hand-colored lithography popular in mid-nineteenth-century America for documenting notable urban landmarks. The Church of the Pilgrims, founded in 1844, stood as a symbol of Brooklyn’s growing cultural and religious identity during a period of rapid expansion across the East River from Manhattan. Upjohn’s design reflected the era’s interest in medieval-inspired architecture, helping establish the Gothic Revival as a favored style for American churches. As part of the Metropolitan Museum’s Edward W. C. Arnold Collection, this print preserves a visual record of a building that once anchored one of New York City’s most historic neighborhoods. The combination of lithography and watercolor allowed artists to reach a wide audience with affordable yet attractive views of the city’s evolving skyline. Frances Flora Bond Palmer’s involvement highlights the important role women played in the commercial print trade, bringing architectural scenes to life for both local residents and visitors eager to see Brooklyn’s emerging landmarks.

About the Artist

Francis & Seymour Palmer|Frances Flora Bond Palmer|Richard Upjohn (American, born England|American) · 1812 |1844 –1876 |1851

American (born England), Leicester 1812–1876 New York|American, active New York, 1844–51