History of the Corcoran Gallery of Art
1890-1891
Medium
pen and black ink on wove tracing paper partially mounted to paperboard
Dimensions
image (irregular): 13.97 × 9.53 cm (5 1/2 × 3 3/4 in.) sheet: 17.78 × 13.34 cm (7 × 5 1/4 in.) board: 16.51 cm (6 1/2 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Corcoran Collection
Accession Number
2015.19.3609
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
**History of the Corcoran of Art** *James Henry Moser, 0–1891* Created by James Henry Moser, the Corcoran Gallery of Art inaugural curator (1874–ca. 1890), this intricate pen-and-ink drawing captures the institution's early narrative just as it gained prominence in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1869 by and philanthropist William Wilson Corcoran, the was America's first major museum dedicated to American art, symbolizing the nation's growing cultural ambitions post-Civil War. Moser's work, likely a detailed illustrative timeline or schematic, reflects his deep involvement in shaping the collection during its formative years. Executed in fine black ink on translucent wove tracing paper—partially mounted to paperboard for preservation—this modest 5½ × 3¾-inch image showcases Moser's precision as an illustrator for Harper's Weekly and Scribner's Magazine. The medium's portability and translucency suited preliminary designs or overlays, allowing layered historical details to emerge with calligraphic flair. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Corcoran Collection, it offers a poignant insider's view of a pivotal cultural landmark, blending artistry with institutional pride.
About the Artist
James Henry Moser · 1854–1913
American (born Canada), Whitby, Ontario 1854–1913 West Cornwall, Connecticut