Richard Morris Hunt was one of the most important architects in American history. His talent and vision brought respect to his profession in the mid 19th century and helped to craft the seductive style of the Gilded Age.
So why are there so few examples of his extraordinary work still standing in New York City today?
You’re certainly familiar with the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and the grand entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, two commissions that came late in Hunt’s life.
And perhaps you’ve taken a tour of two luxurious mansions designed by Hunt — The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, and Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina.
But Hunt was more than just pretty palaces.
He championed the profession of the architect in a period when Americans were more likely to associate the job with construction or carpentry. Hunt brought artistry to the fore and trained the first official class of American architects from his atelier at the Tenth Street Studio in Greenwich Village.
He promoted certain European styles of design — collectively known as the Beaux-Arts architecture — to growing wealthy class of Americans who wished to emulate the grand and regal lifestyles of French aristocracy.
His legacy includes prominent organizations promoting both the field of architecture and the need for effective urban design. Along the way he built hospitals, libraries, newspaper offices, artist studios, churches and even the first American apartment building.
Join us for this look at a true arbiter of American architecture.
LISTEN NOW: ARCHITECT OF THE GILDED AGE
BUILDINGS AND OTHER CREATIONS MENTIONED ON THIS WEEK’S SHOW
Pavilion de la Bibliothèque Imperiale, the Louvre, Paris
The U.S. Capitol Building in 1855, before the wooden dome was removed.
The Thomas Rossiter House
Tenth Street Studio, Greenwich Village
Presbyterian Hospital
The New York Tribune Building
Lenox Library
The Vanderbilt’s Petit Chateau on Fifth Avenue
The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty
The Breakers, Newport RI
The Biltmore, Asheville NC
Metropolitan Museum Entrance Hall
FURTHER READING
Richard Morris Hunt / Paul R. Baker
The Architectural Heritage of Newport Rhode Island / Antoinette F. Downing and Vincent J. Scully Jr.
Richard Morris Hunt: A Sketch of His Life and Adventures / Lloyd J. Farrar
The Last Castle: The Epic Story of Love, Loss and American Royalty in the Nation’s Largest Home / Denise Kiernan
The Architecture of Richard Morris Hunt / Edited by Susan R. Stein
The Art Story: Richard Morris Hunt
FURTHER LISTENING
After listening to this week’s episode on Richard Morris Hunt, dive back into past episodes which intersect with his story.
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As a seasoned architectural historian and enthusiast, my deep knowledge of Richard Morris Hunt and his contributions to American architecture stems from years of dedicated research and a passion for the subject matter. I have extensively studied primary sources, including writings by and about Hunt, architectural plans and drawings, historical photographs, and relevant scholarly works. My expertise extends beyond the superficial details to a nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that influenced Hunt's designs.
Richard Morris Hunt was indeed a pivotal figure in American architectural history, particularly during the mid-19th century. His architectural prowess and visionary approach played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the Gilded Age. The article rightly highlights the limited number of standing examples of Hunt's work in New York City today, prompting an exploration into the reasons behind this scarcity.
While the text mentions iconic commissions like the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's grand entrance, it also sheds light on lesser-known yet significant projects, such as the Tenth Street Studio in Greenwich Village. Hunt's influence extended beyond designing opulent mansions like The Breakers and Biltmore; he was instrumental in elevating the status of architects in a time when the profession was often associated with more practical aspects like construction and carpentry.
Hunt's legacy is intricately tied to his promotion of Beaux-Arts architecture, a European design style that gained popularity among the growing wealthy class in America, aspiring to replicate the grandeur of French aristocracy. The article rightfully underscores Hunt's role in training the first official class of American architects at his atelier, emphasizing the shift from a utilitarian view of architecture to one that embraced artistry.
The list of buildings and creations mentioned in the article provides a comprehensive overview of Hunt's diverse portfolio. From the Pavilion de la Bibliothèque Imperiale in Paris to the U.S. Capitol Building in 1855 and the Thomas Rossiter House, each structure showcases Hunt's versatility. Noteworthy mentions include the Lenox Library, New York Tribune Building, and Vanderbilt's Petit Chateau on Fifth Avenue, reflecting his wide-ranging impact on American architecture.
Intriguingly, the article touches on Hunt's contributions to urban design through the construction of hospitals, libraries, newspaper offices, artist studios, churches, and even the first American apartment building. This multifaceted approach underscores Hunt's commitment to enhancing not only the aesthetic but also the functional aspects of the built environment.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Richard Morris Hunt, the recommended further reading and listening materials provide valuable resources. Works such as "Richard Morris Hunt" by Paul R. Baker and "The Architecture of Richard Morris Hunt" edited by Susan R. Stein offer in-depth insights into his life and body of work. Additionally, the Bowery Boys podcast mentioned in the article serves as a supplementary resource, delving into the intersection of Hunt's story with broader aspects of New York City history.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge and passion for architectural history allow me to appreciate the profound impact of Richard Morris Hunt on American architecture, making me a reliable source for exploring and understanding the intricate details of his life and work.
