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

Various artists/makers

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.

Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847, On stone by Francis D'Avignon (American (born France or Russia), Paris or St. Petersburg 1813/14–1867 New Orleans, Luisiana), Lithograph with tint stone

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Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847, On stone by Francis D'Avignon (American (born France or Russia), Paris or St. Petersburg 1813/14–1867 New Orleans, Luisiana), Lithograph with tint stone
Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847, On stone by Francis D'Avignon (American (born France or Russia), Paris or St. Petersburg 1813/14–1867 New Orleans, Luisiana), Lithograph with tint stone
Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847, On stone by Francis D'Avignon (American (born France or Russia), Paris or St. Petersburg 1813/14–1867 New Orleans, Luisiana), Lithograph with tint stone
Distribution of the American Art-Union Prizes, at the Tabernacle, Broadway, December 24, 1847, On stone by Francis D'Avignon (American (born France or Russia), Paris or St. Petersburg 1813/14–1867 New Orleans, Luisiana), Lithograph with tint stone

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