Friday, April 5th – Sunday, April 28th
10 am – 4 pm, Last entrance is at 3:15 pm.
Admission includes self-guided tours of the Hammond Castle Museum.
Kids’ Free Week: April 15 – 19th. Children ages 12 and under are welcome free.
Members enjoy complimentary admission to this exhibit.
This exhibit is generously presented by Dr. Gregory Conn.
Join us for a very special fine art exhibit, “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum,” featuring the works of Eric Pape (1870 – 1938). A former Annisquam resident and designer of the Tablet Rock Memorial in Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park, this exhibit marks a homecoming for this extraordinary collection of nearly 60 pieces from Pape’s extensive portfolio spanning his entire career and many not publicly seen since his death.
At the heart of this exhibition is the full-length portrait of Gertrude Cawein (oil on canvas, 75 x 52 inches framed), painted by Pape in 1907 and loaned by the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky. For the first time outside the Filson, visitors can witness this rare example of Pape’s work as a society portraitist.
With many pieces on loan from the private collection of esteemed Pape collector and biographer, Dr. Gregory Conn, this exhibit offers a unique insight into Pape’s multifaceted talents. Renowned as a painter and society portraitist, Pape’s brilliance shines through various mediums, including pencil, pen, watercolors, and oils.
The exhibition not only showcases Gertrude’s portrait but also highlights the intricate world of Eric Pape’s artistry, offering a unique glimpse into Pape’s role as a portraitist and including examples of his celebrity portraits created during the Great Depression. A limited selection of artworks from the Hammond Castle Museum’s previous 2023 “Pape at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibit will also be on display. The three Pape paintings on permanent display within the Museum, including the sole surviving mural of the celebrated artist, “The Wireless Naval Battle of Gloucester Bay,” will also be featured. The Museum Shop will host a limited number of copies of Dr. Conn’s newest biography, “Eric Pape in the New York Herald Tribune,” which delves into Pape’s work as a society portraitist. The exhibition is not only a celebration of art but also marks the announcement of the launch of Dr. Conn’s new website, ericpape.com, featuring free flipbooks of all five of his published Pape biographies.
The connection between the Cawein family, Eric Pape, and Gloucester runs deep. Madison Cawein, known as the Keats of Kentucky and Gertrude’s husband, wrote a poignant Ode to the founding of Gloucester for the 1907 Gloucester Day celebrations, during which time Pape presented his iconic Tablet Rock Memorial. The exhibition will also feature an elaborate pen and ink drawing by Pape, representing Madison’s moving elegy upon the death of Pape’s first wife, Alice Monroe Pape, in 1911.
Discover more about Eric Pape, his life, and his profound friendship with the Hammond family through our captivating documentary. Crafted by our Curatorial Director, John Leysath, for the 2023 “Eric Pape at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibit, this film delves into Pape’s legacy and the intricate narrative behind the 2022 restoration of “The Wireless Naval Battle in Gloucester Bay.” Embark on an enlightening journey by visiting our YouTube Channel to watch this insightful documentary now!
TWO WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE EXHIBIT:
The Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum may be accessed in one of two ways – in person at the Museum or virtually through The Eric Pape 360° Virtual Tour. This is an innovative digital offering that allows visitors from around the world to explore the enchanting Hammond Castle Museum and the captivating artwork of Eric Pape from the comfort of their own homes.
The virtual tour is designed to bring the Eric Pape Exhibit to life in a new and accessible way. Visitors can navigate through the Great Hall, admire the stunning architecture, and learn about the fascinating artwork of Eric Pape, all with the click of a button. The viewer will be able to get a closer look at the artwork or description by clicking on hotspots within the virtual tour. It’s viewable on any internet-connected device, including VR headsets.
The virtual tour is only $10 and will be able to experience the exhibit for 24 hours after purchase.
Purchase your Virtual Tour Access Here or reserve your tickets to visit in person below!
