The Patron Behind the Painting: James McHenry, Jasper Francis Cropsey, and the Railroad Business
Join us online for a lecture and Q&A with pioneering historian Dr. Barry Henderson as he shares new insights into the fascinating story of the patron, James McHenry, who commissioned this six-foot Jasper Francis Cropsey painting, Autumn in the Ramapo Valley, Erie Railway.
An enigmatic figure in the history of American finance and art collecting, James McHenry was born at Larne, County Antrim, Ireland, raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and rose to prominence in the money markets of Victorian England. Dr. Barry Henderson’s presentation will cast light on McHenry's rise to prominence, his involvement in the railroad industry, and what is known of his collecting, leading up to his commissioning Cropsey in 1873. Delving into the story behind the painting, the presentation will clarify the tumultuous events that inspired Cropsey's masterpiece, and discuss its significance and meaning to McHenry, particularly given his complicated relationship with the painting's central subject of focus – the Erie Railway. Dr. Henderson will speak live from Northern Ireland via the Zoom Webinar format, sharing rich images and context around the remarkable artwork we’re fortunate to have on view at Brandywine through June.
The program will be held online via Zoom and the link to access the event will be sent to the email address during the pay-what-you-wish registration. Please double-check your spam/junk folder if you do not receive the confirmation email. If you encounter any difficulties in registering or accessing the Zoom link after registering, please email [email protected]. The event will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend live.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Barry Henderson is a historian who received his doctorate from Queen’s University, Belfast–a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK universities. He also holds a BA in International Politics, and MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, attained at Ulster University, Derry/Londonderry. His groundbreaking 2025 doctoral dissertation The Forgotten Tycoon represents the most in-depth examination ever undertaken concerning the life and career of Irish-American merchant-financier and railroad developer, James McHenry (1817–1891).