This gallery contains the chronological sequence of the American Art collection, beginning with the early Independence Era of 1776, and culminating at the post-Depression era of 1939. The collection’s premier gallery, Rowland Hall, is designed to reflect the culture, aesthetic ideals, and historical significance of the Independence Era through the artistry, craftsmanship and detailing of the plasterwork and stone installations, and also in contextual consideration of the Neo-Classical details throughout the existing museum.
The plaster finishes included a vaulted ceiling in reference to the Federalist style of Robert Adam, with plaster profiles and moldings representational of European influences common throughout the northeast during this time. The stone columns, pilasters, base and trim accentuate the neo-Classical style of both the building language and the architectural style of 1776, but also complement the stonework in the existing Rotunda Gallery, anchoring the opposite end of the American Art collection.
