Membership Certificate for the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures

Designed by Jd. Brunel; engraved by Gideon Fairman (1774-1827)
Date: c. 1800
Designer: Designed by Jd. Brunel; engraved by Gideon Fairman (1774-1827)
Medium: Stipple and line engraving with etching on wove paper
Dimensions: 12 7/8 H x 16 3/4 W
Credit: Albany Institute of History & Art Library
Digital Data Number: DI 498
Catalogue Number: Ser2/F1/num1/CER
Comments:

In 1791 the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures (SPAAM), the progenitor of the present Albany Institute of History & Art, was founded in New York City, then the capital of New York State. Members received an elegantly engraved certificate graced with allegorical figures of Liberty and Justice. A playful group of putti engage in artistic and scientific activities at the top.