Print Page

Trout Gallery Reception


A revolutionary spirit swept The Trout Gallery on Friday as visitors admired a newly acquired portrait of Dickinson's own Benjamin Rush.

A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War-era statesman and noted physician and educator, Dr. Rush sat for several portraits in the final years of his life. A handful of these portraits were by Thomas Sully, who created the work on display.

Sully is widely recognized as one of the finest—and most prolific—portrait artists of his day. In fact, he created approximately 2,000 portraits and other works before his death in 1872, including the famous The Passage of the Delaware, completed in 1819.

The Trout Gallery's painting by Sully depicts Rush as a contemplative man who surrounded himself with books. In the background we see the Pennsylvania Hospital, where Rush served as physician from 1783 until his death in 1813. Previously owned by the Rush family, the painting was acquired by The Trout Gallery this year.

 


1of1

  • Dr. Lockwood Rush, a descendent of Dr. Benjamin Rush, poses in front of his ancestor's portrait. He and his wife, Jacklyn, gave the painting to Dickinson College this year. "It became clear to us that this is where it belongs," he said. 
    Dr. Lockwood Rush
  • Lockwood and Jacklyn Rush examine an early sketch of Dickinson College. In addition to the portrait, the Rushes donated to The Trout Gallery a book annotated by Benjamin Rush. 
    Lockwood and Jacklyn Rush
  • A portrait of Dickinson College's founder, Dr. Benjamin Rush, by Thomas Sully. Known as the greatest American portrait artist of his era, Sully painted several portraits of Rush.  
    Portrait of Dr. Rush
  • Thomas Sully was not the only painter to try his hand at Benjamin Rush's portrait. Images of Rush, as painted by Charles Wilson Peale, Edward Savage and his cousin, William Rush, were on display as part of the exhibit. 
    Images of Rush
  • Emma Bennett '10 discusses the differences between various artists' portraits of Benjamin Rush. Bennett researched Rush's life extensively in preparation for this exhibit and penned the exhibition's notes and brochure text. 
    Emma Bennett '10
  • Benjamin Rush's elegant signature graces one of the gallery walls. The exhibit also included Rush's books, letters and documents in Rush's hand and scientific instruments that Rush donated to Dickinson College. 
    Rush exhibit
Dr. Lockwood Rush, a descendent of Dr. Benjamin Rush, poses in front of his ancestor's portrait. He and his wife, Jacklyn, gave the painting to Dickinson College this year. "It became clear to us that this is where it belongs," he said.  Prev ImageNext Image