The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia (Copy after an Engraving in The Port Folio Magazine, June 1809) 1811 - 1816

This watercolor by Pavel Petrovich Svinin, created between 1811 and 1816, depicts the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Svinin, a Russian artist and traveler, captured the neoclassical architecture of the building, highlighting its prominent dome and symmetrical facade. The inscription "Founded MDCCLXXXVII" (1787) above the entrance emphasizes the institution's historical significance. This detailed portrayal of the academy is a testament to Svinin's keen eye for architectural detail, and his watercolor offers a glimpse into the early development of American art institutions.