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Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847

1848
Not on view
This print shows an annual lottery of art works held for the subscribers of the American Art-Union, New York. In 1847, the event was held at the Broadway Tabernacle, a large church with a circular interior. In 1847, national membership topped nine thousand, and would peak in 1849-50 at nearly nineteen thousand. For an annual fee of five dollars, each subscriber received a large, finely engraved print and was entered in the year-end lottery where artworks were distributed after being shown at the Art-Union's Free Gallery. The organization aimed to educate the public about contemporary American art and its distribution network reached every state. This contributed to the creation of a national market for landscapes, genre paintings, and small bronze sculptures. The system flourished for a limited period, however, since no lottery was held in 1851, and the Union was forced to dissolve in 1852-53.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847
  • Artist: On stone by Francis D'Avignon (American (born France or Russia), Paris or St. Petersburg 1813/14–1867 New Orleans, Luisiana)
  • Artist: After a drawing by Tompkins Harrison Matteson (American, Peterboro, New York 1813–1884 Sherburne, New York)
  • Lithographer: Sarony & Major (New York, NY)
  • Publisher: John P. Ridner (American, 19th century)
  • Publisher: Associated with American Art-Union, New York (1838–51)
  • Published in: New York
  • Date: 1848
  • Medium: Lithograph with tint stone
  • Dimensions: image: 15 3/4 x 21 5/8 in. (40 x 54.9 cm)
    sheet: 24 x 29 7/8 in. (61 x 75.9 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Edward W. C. Arnold Collection of New York Prints, Maps and Pictures, Bequest of Edward W. C. Arnold, 1954
  • Object Number: 54.90.1056
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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