Artist/Maker Archibald Robertson (1765 - 1835)

View of the Hudson at West Point with a Block House

1802-1813

Watercolor, black ink, and graphite on paper, laid on heavier paper

Overall: 13 1/8 x 16 1/4 in. ( 33.3 x 41.3 cm )
mat: 22 x 28 in. ( 55.9 x 71.1 cm )

Permanent loan from the Beekman Family Association

1947.450

During the American Revolution a number of blockhouses were erected at West Point as part of a chain of fortifications designed to block the Hudson River against the British. A small military garrison continued to serve here after the war until West Point was selected as the location for the United States Military Academy. The blockhouse delineated by Robertson is typical of those constructed here and is believed to have stood in the area later known as Kinsley Hill.

DescriptionLandscape

Markingsinscriptions: Lower right: Drawn by my father/Archibald Robertson, / Andrew J. Robertson; Title, lower center

InscribedInscribed at lower right in brown ink: "drawn by my father / Archibald Robertson / Andrew J Robertson"; at lower center on heavier paper in black ink: "BLOCK HOUSE at WEST POINT"; at lower right on heavier paper in graphite; "1802"; below in brown ink: "drawn by my father Archibald Robertson / Andrew J Robertson 19 West 35th St New York"; randomly below: "17[?} Soldiers The Black Enger"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS