NEW ACQUISIONS: The Old Barracks Museum in Trenton has added two paintings and a c. 1885 restrike of the 1757 Treaty of Easton medal to its permanent collection.
The Old Barracks Museum has announced that it has acquired three new pieces for its permanent collection. An 1889 painting by John Califano entitled Washington’s Triumphant Entry into Trenton, 1789; a c.1885 restrike of the 1757 Treaty of Easton Medal; and a 1970s painting of the Old Barracks by New Jersey artist Charles McVicker.
“Together, these objects are important additions to the museum’s collection.” Said Mark A. Turdo, assistant director of Interpretation and Curation. “The medal speaks to when the Lenape brought colonial officials from several colonies, including New Jersey, to peace talks. Washington’s Triumphant Entry captures the moment where the women of Trenton established and solidified Washington’s and Trenton’s revolutionary legacy. The Barracks offers an unusual view of the Old Barracks before the second restoration of the building.”
About the works:
Washington’s Triumphant Entry into Trenton, 1789: William Yard commissioned Italian-born artist John Califano to create this scene for the centennial of Washington’s arrival in Trenton on his way to the new capital of New York City for his first inauguration. The painting celebrates not only the newly elected president, but also the women of Trenton who planned, organized, and led the celebration of Washington at Trenton with a Triumphal Arch and serenade. The painting also offers insight into what the town of Trenton looked like at the time, including a rare depiction of the half-wood, half-stone bridge connecting Trenton and Nottingham.
Restrike of 1757 Treaty of Easton Medal, c.1885: The medal is a c.1885 copy of the 1757 Treaty of Easton medal, also known as the George II or the Duffield Medal. The Easton medal was the first Indian medal designed and made in America. Originally struck in silver by Philadelphia Quakers, they were distributed during one of the several conferences held at Easton, Pennsylvania, between Lenape and other Native American nations and Colonial American officials. Only a few were made at the time, and fewer survived into the nineteenth century. To meet later collector interest, the United States Mint struck reproduction medals on the original dies at various times throughout the 1800s. In 1883, they engraved a new die and struck new medals from it starting in 1885. The Old Barracks Museum’s c.1885 medal will help viewers explore the shared imagery and symbolism of Native-Colonial relationships.
The Barracks, c.1970s: Charles McVicker, an award-winning New Jersey artist, was commissioned by a Trenton family to paint this view of the Old Barracks. The painting offers a unique view of the barracks before the 1990s restoration of the building. Donated by the McVicker Family, the painting arrives at the same time the Old Barracks is undergoing another restoration.
The Old Barracks Museum is at 101 Barrack Street in Trenton. For more information, visit barracks.org.