Pittsburgh from the Salt Works at Saw Mill Run

Object number86.1.287 a,b

Artist William Thompson Russell Smith (1812 - 1896)

Date1843

MediumOil on canvas; Wood

Credit LineGift of Charles A. McClintock

DescriptionOil painting. Foreground depicts salt works of wooden construction and grey smoke billowing from chimney. A wagon, man on horseback, child and old man appear to the left of the works while to the right is a couple of two-story structures with a sign. In the river behind the works are boats, a canoe, and cattle watering. Across the river is a modern looking city with bridges, buildings & billowing stacksDimensions28.7499 x 3 x 48.7499 in. (73 x 7.6 x 123.8 cm)
SignedSigned l.l. on rock behind old man in foreground.
MarksPlate on base of frame stretcher obverse reads: Gift of C.A. McClintock
Historical NotesCharles A. McClintock to Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, 1951. Label TextSmoke indicated prosperity in the early 19th century and travelers often commented on the industrial grime of the city. In 1841, William Reynolds remarked in his diary, “Pittsburgh looks as black as ever.”

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