Home > Arts > Artists > H > Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
1869 Central Park Dinosaurs Hawkins full
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
1869 Central Park Dinosaurs Hawkins full
1869 Harpers Weekly, August 14th. " Palaeozoic Museum. Showing the rehabilitated forms of ancient animal life in america now being constructed in Central Park". Wood cut from Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins original sketch (now in the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia). This print shows how Hawkins envisioned the dinosaur display he was commissioned to produce in New Yorks Central Park. Sadly for Hawkins, and for posterity, his life sized models, including the first fleshed reconstruction of an American dinosaur (Hadrosaurus foulkii), were smashed by a gang of vandals on May 3rd 1871. Reports differ, but most place the blame at the door of William Tweed and his associates who corruptly ran Public Works. Hawkins critisisms are said to have led to Central Park overseer, and Tweed ring member, Hilton giving the order to destroy and bury molds and casts before the work was complete
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319367
© American Museum of Natural History, AMNH, Waterhouse Hawkins, Dinosaurs, Leidy, Hadrosaur, hadrosaurus foulkii, first american dinosaur, reconstruction, central park, laelaps, palaeozoic,
Fossil Reconstruction Ground Sloth Hadrosaur Leidy Mastodon New York Paleozoic Plesiosaur American Museum Of Natural History Central Park Glyptodont Tweed
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Still life art
> Still life paintings
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Still life art
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Still life artwork
> Still life paintings
> Arts
> Street art graffiti
> Still life
> Still life artwork
> Popular Themes
> Sloths
> Science Photo Library
> Dinosaurs
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1869, showcasing Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins' ambitious project in Central Park. The image depicts his visionary concept for the Palaeozoic Museum, a groundbreaking exhibition displaying rehabilitated forms of ancient animal life in America. Created as a woodcut from Hawkins' original sketch, which now resides in the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, this print offers a glimpse into his grand vision. Tragically, Hawkins' dream was shattered on May 3rd, 1871 when a gang of vandals ruthlessly destroyed his life-sized models and casts. Reports suggest that William Tweed and his corrupt associates were behind this act of vandalism due to Hawkins' criticisms. Hilton, an overseer at Central Park and member of the Tweed ring, is believed to have given the order to bury molds and casts before completion. Amongst these demolished masterpieces was the first fleshed reconstruction of an American dinosaur called Hadrosaurus foulkii. This devastating event not only robbed future generations of witnessing these magnificent creatures but also silenced one man's artistic expression forever. Despite this tragedy, we can still appreciate Paul D. Stewart's remarkable print as it captures both the beauty and sorrow associated with Hawkins' work. It serves as a reminder that even great visions can be crushed by corruption and greed but should never be forgotten by those who value scientific discovery and artistic endeavor alike.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
