Jerusalem the Golden
After a trip abroad in 1890 and 1891, Hovenden spent a winter in Washington, D.C., where he painted this unusual picture. One of his last major works, it was included in the annual exhibition of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia in 1894–95. The woman seems to be an invalid. Next to her sits her husband or suitor. At the piano is another woman, presumably playing a hymn entitled "Jerusalem the Golden." This hymn, written in 1853, was popular among Protestant denominations during the late nineteenth century. It was meant to provide solace and comfort to the faithful in the face of death by offering salvation and promising peace in the afterlife.
Artwork Details
- Title: Jerusalem the Golden
- Artist: Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania)
- Date: 1892–94
- Culture: American
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Helen C. Hovenden, in memory of her husband, Thomas Hovenden, 1895
- Object Number: 95.5
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania)
ca. 1885
Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania)
ca. 1884
Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania)
Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania)
ca. 1881–82
Thomas Hovenden (American (born Ireland), Dunmanway 1840–1895 Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania)
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