NYHS Brings Cooper and Lincoln Back to Astor Place

Images courtesy of the New York Historical Society.

The New York Historical Society has brought a couple of paintings out to the streets. The mini installation of sorts is comprised of their portraits (replicas, of course) of Abraham Lincoln and Peter Cooper; both are currently on display at the Astor Place Triangle.

They note the significance of the location, saying "the Astor Place Triangle stands directly opposite The Cooper Union: the distinguished school established by Peter Cooper in 1859, and the place where Abraham Lincoln delivered the defining speech of his Presidential campaign in 1860. Informational texts accompanying the large-scale portraits of Cooper and Lincoln explain the links between these two figures and the site, bringing art and history to life in the city."

You can take a look at the outdoor free-standing exhibit through August 23rd. The NYHS also hopes to launch a series of outdoor installations throughout the city next year, to coincide with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on August 14, 2008 3:25 PM

Comments [rss]

WorksInDUMBO

This is great!

and why you gottta be hatin' on the Cube?

JMH

The cube is awesome. Get rid of the ugly high-rise across the street from it instead.

Toby von Meistersinger

We need more of these sort of things throughout the city and on a permanent basis.

dr zippy

Art is not just for rich men.

Rfive

whatever... its a poor man's tony smith.

Editrixie

Furthermore, Rfive -- although I don't like the big shiny high-rise across the street -- the cube has always been a good spot to bring friends visiting from out of town. They all love having their pics taken while spinning it.

As for the NYHS installations, I love it and think they should be permanent (or some version thereof). Newbies to the city should appreciate its history more.

Mr Mel

You just know they'll be defaced. Anarchists care about no one.

Editrixie

Get rid of the cube? What?! Why?! It's been there since 1967. Would you get rid of the bull down near Bowling Green, too? Tony Rosenthal's Alamo was cleaned up and rededicated in 2005. The press release regarding its refurbishing stated:

"The Alamo was originally installed as a temporary work of art in 1967, but almost 40 years later it remains an iconic landmark where Greenwich Village meets the East Village," said Commissioner Benepe. "We are grateful to DOT for fully funding the restoration and reinstallation that was guided by its creator, Tony Rosenthal, so that it may spin--and turn heads-- for years to come."

So, tough if you don't like it.

Snoopy

Bravo NYHS! This city needs more of these footnotes to a glorious past.

There are other mini-installations done I believe by the city down near city hall. Also the sidewalk around city hall park has some interesting inlays of historical importance.