Mr. Vanderbilt's house and collection 1883 - 1884

Mr. Vanderbilt's house and collection, captured by Edward Strahan, is a set of illustrated volumes, standing almost two feet tall. In the late 19th century, publishing like this was a high-stakes game. It involved not just Strahan, but a whole ecosystem of paper manufacturers, printers, binders, and distributors. These trades relied on the labor of countless individuals, from forestry workers to delivery drivers. The book itself, with its meticulous illustrations and solid binding, speaks to the ambition of publishers to align themselves with the fine arts. Of course, the subject matter connects directly to the social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The Vanderbilts made their fortune in railroads, and then put it on display in lavish residences like the one pictured here. As such, this book stands as an artifact of immense wealth, accumulated at a great social cost. Considering the materials, making, and context of Mr. Vanderbilt’s house and collection reminds us that every work of art has a history that extends far beyond the studio.