about living in America. Downing’s books were reprinted several times and Downing appeared as a regular columnist in the popular periodical, The Horticulturalist. When Downing died tragically in a boat racing accident in July 1852, the New York Tribune lamented there was “none whom the country could so little afford to lose, or whose service to the community could so little be replaced.” His untimely death makes the design of Springside all the more significant. Although Downing inspired the design of American homes, this was the only major domestic commission in his short life. The Gritten paintings are essential to demonstrating how Downing’s ideals were put into practice. The viewer notices the overall synthesis of the architecture and landscape design. Springside does not look like it was designed: Springside looks like it emerged. This effect is achieved by painting the structures in the colors recommended in Cottage Residences. The pale yellows capture the light and blend with the surrounding trees. The structures are built with wood and the siding is installed vertically. Downing argued that if trees grew vertically, lumber should be used vertically. Matthew Vassar welcomed the public to visit his Springside estate after it was completed. The Poughkeepsie Eagle declared in July 1852, “Surely, Paradise could scarcely have been lovelier.” Many Poughkeepsie residents enjoyed visiting the grounds and its fame became so great that a song, “Springside Mazurka” was written by Charles Grube. In 1864, Vassar moved permanently to Springside and asked the public that he may be allowed “a quiet retirement”. After Vassar’s death in 1868, the property changed hands several times and was finally declared a National Historic Landmark in 1969. The Springside Landscape Restoration group continues to work to preserve Springside and the property is once again open to the public. If we take our definition of ‘local’ from the model of Downing, then we would understand the term to mean a keen awareness, consideration and appreciation of place. If we include the model of Matthew Vassar, we expand the definition to include a commitment and contribution to the needs of the community. In keeping with these ideals, the Art Center is pleased to share these paintings with the Poughkeepsie community. There has already been a teacher workshop, in partnership with Dutchess County BOCES and Marist College, where area educators learned about and discussed how they could incorporate these paintings into their curriculum. We are in the process of developing an interactive website where visitors can delve further into the significance and history of Springside. More than views of pleasant pastures, these paintings serve as important reminders of the place and ideals upon which this institution was founded.
Springside: View of Gardener’s Cottage and Barns, 1852 Oil on canvas Promised gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Evans, Jr. (Tania Goss, class of 1959)
Nicole M. Roylance Coordinator of Public Education and Information
Springside: View of Barn Complex and Gardens, 1852 Oil on canvas Promised gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Evans, Jr. (Tania Goss, class of 1959) Recommended colors for home exteriors from Cottage Residences. Vassar College: Special Collections.
Fall 2009 Art at Vassar
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