Benson Lossing - An Artist's Visit with the Shakers

 I recently came across a video posted in 2018 of a talk and slideshow given by Rob Emlen, University Curator and Senior Lecturer in American Studies at Brown University (retired). Emlen gives a fascinating talk that covers many things Shaker but most interestingly to me is his description of historian and artist Benson Lossing's sketches and watercolors done during his visit to the Mount Lebanon, New York community in August 1856.

A watercolor depicting a Shaker worship service in 1856, by artist Benson Lossing, from his visit to the Mount Lebanon, New York community in August of that year.

Lossing's sketches were published in black and white but viewing the watercolors gives us a glimpse into the paint colors used on the Shaker buildings, and more.

Internet Archive hosts An Early view of the Shakers : Benson John Lossing and the Harper's article of July 1857, with reproductions of the original sketches and watercolors, published by Hancock Shaker Village in 1989 that includes Lossing's sketches, colorized drawings, and his account of his visit among the Shakers.

Lossing sketches from 1856

Shaker Fashion

Although this photo is not identified as being taken at Pleasant Hill, it is nonetheless, a wonderful example of Shaker fashion in the 19th century.

Edward Deming Andrews Memorial Shaker Collection

A Shaker Heritage Society posting from 2013 discusses Shaker fashion over the years:

As we examine Shaker fashion, it is important to consider the differences between individual Shakers and various Shaker communities, as well as the fact that everything changes over time – what may have been true in 1897 would have been unheard of in 1834... continue