![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rO14TVmOeL9rBASnlmKZ_d0Gm2HQusdM1FNZrDAJcT9rtueC93kT6wXOxCikRDYxF1RSfaP7-oibTQzi5zNcWdrdI4tF8qrK6OwX_rtjV1_iEzkTXMoTXWJUlEEBM0g__1iAgmT6r34/s320/columns-secondbank.jpg)
The Second Bank was built in the Greek Revival style, beginning in 1819. It was completed in 1824. When I visited 18 months ago, I saw a number of style choices that reminded me of early nineteenth century England. For example, this window still uses the interior shutters visible in such notable mansions as Apsley House in London.
And doesn’t the pink passage near the main portrait display look just like the entryway to an aristocrat’s town house?
The portraits themselves are marvelous, depicting dress and accessories of the time. The hat!
Many of the portaits are by local artist Charles Willson Peale, who painted people he felt exemplified a self-sacrificing nature and were strong civic supporters. Some of the individuals are government or business leaders, but there is more than one lady in the bunch. Other portraits are by his son Rembrandt (Charles took his painting seriously, apparently), brother James, and British artists James and Ellen Sharples.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdqYI-nqj7tY3yF85b_wbwPmYObbA6J4kje5ALX8iv1L5fDcheDFhj_wKbkUu9u1uFrKl3gadFiV1RFNHvBFJDJw5FL0xerHKoieQ2NM6D-GllYJARdkQwhK2lBrxilq8Zb8ahjmYZUE/s320/ladies-secondbank.png)
The Second Bank is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Learn more about it at the National Park Service website.
I’m sure you can picture yourself here
No comments:
Post a Comment