(New York, 1818). Engraved "Patron's Ticket" to the American Academy of the Fine Arts, signed by John Trumbull as President, and Secretary A. Robertson, and issued to James Ferguson De Peyster. Printed on thick card; spotting. 3 1/16 x 4 3/8 in. (78 x 111 mm). Cowdrey, American Academy of Fine Arts and American Art-Union, p. 69

Lot includes a copy of the Catalogue of Paintings & Engravings Exhibited by the American Academy of the Fine Arts. May 1820...The Sixth Exhibition. Second edition. Original limp self-wrappers; toned and foxed.

A rare patron's admission ticket to the American Academy of Fine Arts in New York--one of the first American schools dedicated to fine art. Founded in 1802 by Edward and Robert R. Livingston, the Academy (first called The New York Academy of the Fine Arts) was conceived as a salon that would foster the cultivation of American art and artists, specifically in the classical style. It was not until the tenure of New York City's mayor De Witt Clinton, who assumed the Academy presidency in 1813, that the institution began to flourish. From 1817-36, American painter and Revolutionary War officer John Trumbull (1756-1843) led the institution as its president, where he became known for his unyielding conservatism and adherence to the classical style. In 1825, younger artists, disaffected with Trumbull's teachings, formed a splinter academy, the National Academy of Design, which still operates today. Due to dwindling students, the American Academy closed in 1841.

James Ferguson De Peyster (1794-1873) was a scion of one of Old New York's most prosperous families, and the eldest son of American merchant Frederick De Peyster (1758-1834) and Helena Livingston Hake (1773-1801). He served as a Captain in the War of 1812, and subsequently established himself as a successful merchant in New York City, where he specialized in the cotton trade.

Rare. We are unable to locate another ticket in the available auction records. Furthermore, we can locate only two other examples, in the John Trumbull collection at the Smithsonian Institute, and at the Frick.