Description: EXTREMELY RARE ORIGINAL 1882 CABINET CARD ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH OF THE ASSEMBLY HALL INTERIOR ON TEMPLE SQUARE - SALT LAKE CITY UTAH RARE PHOTO SHOWING THE CEILING MURALS/FRESCOES These Murals were only visible for just over 20 years - when because of a leaking roof they were removed in 1904 one of the most unique features of the Assembly Hall was the frescoes that covered the ceiling. Before the building was dedicated in 1882, 16 frescoes were painted on the ceiling in 1880. The work is credited to W. C. Morris, a decorative painter who had done gilt work in buildings, designed and built sets for the Salt Lake Theater and was a sign painter. A Feb. 29, 1880, article in the Salt Lake Herald, published during the progress of the painting, stated, “When finished, it will add greatly to the attractiveness of the hall, while the subjects painted on the ceiling will be a constant reminder of the history of the church, together with some events mentioned in scripture. … The whole thing has been done in a very short space of time and materially improves the internal appearance of the hall; while it reflects great credit on the artist, Mr. W. C. Morris, and displays his talent in a new light.” According to a correction published a few days later on March 4, 1880, “Paul Hammer is entitled to equal praise with [Morris], having done a large share of the figure drawing, and had a general oversight and supervision of the work.” For Utt, “the murals are one of the more interesting design features of the building,” she said. “We don’t see a lot of decorative work like this in Church buildings before this time. For example, we have yet to paint a temple mural when these frescoes are put on the building.” A few photographs survive of these frescoes, along with descriptions of the paintings. Three scenes from Church history were depicted: Moroni showing Joseph Smith where the Gold Plates were hidden in the Hill Cumorah; John the Baptist conferring the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery; and Peter, James and John conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood on a kneeling Joseph Smith. “Moroni showing Joseph where the plates were hid in the Hill Cumorah” fresco on the Assembly Hall ceiling was painted in 1880 by W.C. Morris. This photograph was taken by C. W. Carter. Six temples appeared in the frescoes: the Kirtland, Nauvoo, St. George Utah, Manti Utah, Logan Utah and Salt Lake temples — the last of which had yet to be completed. Also depicted were images of Jesus Christ, Moses holding a scroll containing the Ten Commandments, Elijah and Elias, as well as a large beehive to represent Deseret. Above the organ was the all-seeing eye. Significant dates in Church history, such as the organization of the Church and when the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, also appeared. “Those murals, to me, are this great visual cue of the doctrines and the ideas that would have been important to those Latter-day Saints,” Utt said. When anyone entered the building, they would have been met with images of priesthood and temples. What makes these paintings unusual is that “these are probably some of our earliest visual representations of these things,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of other depictions of Moroni appearing to Joseph before we get to this mural. They’re really important in the history and the evolution of Latter-day Saint art and in depicting scenes of our past. “Unfortunately, the roof leaked.” By about 1904, Utt said, there was enough water damage to the frescoes that they were painted over. Unmarked cabinet card - but PHOTOGRAPHED AND PRINTED IN 1882 BY by Charles Savage IMAGE MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 6 1/2" x 4" 1882 Collectable and Rare HIGHLY FASCINATING! EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS ORIGINAL FORM An extremely interesting and important photograph: A GREAT OPPORTUNITY! The Photo is in remarkable condition considering its age - Excellent contrast and clean. Overall in amazing condition - A wonderful opportunity!! DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY - SOUGHT AFTER BY PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTORS, ART COLLECTORS, HISTORIANS, MORMONS AND WESTERN AMERICANA COLLECTORS ALIKE!! Thomas was one of the earliest photographers in the American West - who, together with Edward Curtis, Charles Savage, C W Carter, Carleton Watkins, William Henry Jackson, E.O Beaman and many others A great addition to your collection!!!! THIS PHOTOGRAPH IS VERY SCARCE AND WILL BE ENJOYED FOR YEARS TO COME - AS WELL AS BEING AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT!! A wonderful addition to your antiquarian LDS collection. AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED! I am Listing Some other Extremely Rare LDS Books and Newspapers and Photographs - Don't Miss These!! The successful bidder to pay 9.95 shipping
Price: 395.95 USD
Location: Mona, Utah
End Time: 2024-08-31T17:28:00.000Z
Shipping Cost: 9.95 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Antique: Yes
Image Orientation: Landscape
Date of Creation: 1882
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Vintage: Yes
Type: Photograph
Format: Cabinet Card
Year of Production: 1882
Photographer: CHARLES SAVAGE
Theme: Architecture
Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899
Production Technique: Albumen Print
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States