Architect's Drafting Room, 1884 1935 - 1942

Perkins Harnly made this watercolor painting, "Architect's Drafting Room," in 1884, though Harnly wasn't born until 1901. The painting offers a romantic vision of architectural practice. Note the drawings pinned to the walls. They feature historical monuments and buildings of European and Asian origin. The American flag, visible through the window, reminds us that this room is located in the United States. Perhaps the flag is pointing to the ambitions of the American architect to rival and surpass the achievements of the old world. In the late 19th century, the architecture profession was becoming increasingly formalized. For instance, the American Institute of Architects was founded in 1857. The image reflects the cultural context in which new institutions and practices, such as formal qualifications, are emerging. The painting also asks us to reflect on the social role of architecture, especially the dialogue between national identity and international influence. To understand the painting better, we might want to research the changing landscape of architectural education and professionalization in late 19th-century America.