The historic old building shown in the painting was Boston's Flour and Grain Exchange Building. In today's modern skyline, it is dwarfed by towering skyscrapers, but not one can compare with the grace and grandeur of this rock-faced masonry building. Originally a meeting hall for the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange was built on land donated by streetcar magnate Henry M. Whitney and completed in 1892. Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge designed the masonry and tiered arches which exemplify the Romanesque Revival style associated with H.H. Richardson. The sturdy walls and elaborate design reflected an expression of flourishing financial security appropriate to the city's commercial circles. The exterior was restored by Beal Companies in 1988.
The magnificent architecture grabbed my attention each time I looked out the window of the fifth floor of Boston's Downtown Hilton. Since I had a perfect vantage point for a painting, here it is!
I was striving for architectural accuracy in the painting; no improvisation on my part would make this building more beautiful, but it was tedious to stay true. In the distance were the Tobin Bridge, the North End, and Cambridge Street. It was a cloudy day so there was less contrast than if it had been sunny with deep architectural shadows.
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