Carl Pfeiffer drawings, circa 1870s-1880s
Collection context
- Creator:
- Pfeiffer, Carl, 1834-1888
- Extent:
- 300 drawings
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The bulk of the collection (292 drawings) features original drawings for the 1889 publication of Carl Pfeiffer's designs for American mansions and cottages. These are a mix of ink on paper, linen and tracing paper, as well as pencil on trace. Also included are a set of 7 drawings for a private home on Madison at 25th Street -- these are in ink and watercolor on paper, with a great level of detail -- and an illuminated monogram in a fantasy landscape.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Carl Pfeiffer was born in Germany in 1834 and made his career in the United States. By 1864, he was based in New York City and had his own firm. Pfeiffer's obituaries identify him as a skillful designer credited with many exemplary private homes and clubs, and public buildings such as churches and hospitals. He designed the Church of the Messiah at 5th Avenue and 34th Street, which suffered a fire in 1914 and was demolished in 1931, and the Metropolitan Savings Bank Building at Third Avenue and East 7th Street. In 1889, publishers Ticknor & Co published a book of his designs and drawings, titled American mansions and cottages.
Access and use
- Preferred citation:
-
Carl Pfeiffer drawings, Drawings and Archives, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu