The Front Hall, 1908
1908
20th Century
24 in. x 18 in.
William Verplank Birney,
(1858–1909)
Medium and Support:
oil on canvas
Credit Line:
Florence Griswold Museum; Purchased with Funds from the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation.
Accession Number:
1991.108
This view of the front hall of the Griswold House looking out the door has a puzzling aspect. The garlands imply Christmas decorations, yet the landscape, as seen through the door, is quite green and spring-like. It has been surmised that the laurel garlands were hung in remembrance of Allen Talcott, a founding member of the colony who died in 1908.