DESCRIPTION: Joseph Gorgas (American, 1829-1903). Watercolor on paper. View Near Hudson. In black painted wood frame. Executed by Joseph Gorgas while a student at Mount St. Mary's College. The image copied from a popular print of the 1830-50 period and finely executed in a large scale. The Gorgas family is well-known in the history of South Central Pennsylvania. The earliest members of the family settled in Lancaster County where they connected with the Ephrata Cloister. Descendants of that family spread in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties by the 19th century. The Gorgas drug store in Harrisburg was a mainstay for much of the 19th century and the family were antiquarians and collectors. This watercolor is unique insofar as the school reference appears to be to Mount St. Mary’s college in Emmitsburg Maryland which is located just across the Pennsylvania/Maryland state line. Founded in the early 19th century, the school was primarily for the training of Catholic priests; however there are references to them accepting non theological students. This is perhaps an example of the “ornamental branches” that were taught in schools. Traditional students would receive a classical education, but if parents paid additional monies their child could receive added schooling in music, art and needlework. This work reflects a teenage Joseph Gorgas’ training in the ornamental branch of watercolor painting. MEASUREMENTS: 16"  x 24" ; frame 3". CONDITION: Yellowing of paper. Wear loss of paint to frame. KE IMPORTANT: Before bidding, please read the terms and conditions. When you registered for the auction you agreed to these terms and will be required to comply with them.