This newly opened exhibit explores the history of the German itinerant artist Edward Beyer and how his work fit into the nascent culture of American tourism in the mid-nineteenth century.
Beyer traveled and worked extensively in Virginia, leaving artwork that is both beautiful and descriptive: a rare visual treat, according to a museum release.
Between 1854 and 1857, Beyer sketched and painted extensively in western Virginia. Beyer’s precise and detailed style, typical of his training at the Dusseldorf Academy, gives an almost photographic rendition of many picturesque resorts, springs, caves, bridges, mountains, and travel destinations.
Beyer incorporated many of his scenic views of the state in his illustrated Album of Virginia—a rare folio of color lithographs printed in Germany and issued in Richmond in 1857 and 1858. Of the forty prints, fifteen are of mineral springs resorts. Thirty-seven are from western Virginia where he and his wife spent a majority of their time.
On display at the Montgomery Museum are nine original lithographs from the 1857-1858 Album of Virginia through the courtesy of Bob and Susan Miller, who are also sponsoring the exhibit.
The exhibit will be open through Nov. 30, 2018.
