Old Magdalen Hall from the Gravel Walk Burnt Down A.D. 1815 - 1816

Frederick MacKenzie rendered Old Magdalen Hall using watercolor and pen and ink. The artwork serves as a historical document, capturing the architectural facade of the institution before its destruction. Here, MacKenzie presents a seemingly objective rendering of the college, but it’s impossible to ignore the social realities embedded in the scene. The figures, likely students or faculty, represent a privileged class afforded educational opportunities unavailable to many. Gender further complicates the narrative, as higher education was largely exclusive to men during this period, underscoring themes of access and exclusion. The presence of a dog being walked in front of the building speaks to notions of privilege and leisure. MacKenzie’s choice to depict the college before its destruction lends a sense of nostalgia to the work. It also prompts reflection on the ephemeral nature of institutions and the social hierarchies they represent.