National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Resource History and Description of Existing Conditions
probably made by R. C. Fisher of New York who supplied the stone work for the mansion. 637
There is only one tympanum drawn over the exterior doorway on the south elevation, however,
a faint pencil sketch between two of the four elevations suggests that additional tympana may
have been discussed. Drawing #187 shows Corinthian columns where ionic ones were used.
The spandrel ornament matches the plan over the door, but not as drawn on the east and west
elevations. There are faint lines for spandrel panels on either side of the tympanum at the south
elevation. There is no evidence to know exactly what was as-built versus as-designed, except by
comparison to Warren & Wetmore drawings and that is not conclusive.
McKim's design was executed by the Boston and New York firm A.H. Davenport. The
ceiling originally had painted murals by H. Siddons Mowbray 638 who wrote:
McKim and I were returning from Hyde Park one afternoon in October 1897. I had spent
most of the summer there, working in the new home of Frederick Vanderbilt, designed by
637 Recorded in the MMW bill books, N-YHS.
638 The early negotiations were as follows:
I have had a long talk with Mr. Vanderbilt this afternoon, who I think
is now quite prepared for anything that may happen. I have told
him of your interest in his work and desire to make it successful. As I
have no secrets from him, I thought it best and most frank to tell him
also of the embryonic sketch you talked to me about, and suggested that
it might facilitate matters if he could be present when you come in to
show me the sketch, as you suggested.
I am leaving town on Wednesday. Could you come in on Monday
or Tuesday, for a few minutes and talk the matter over, and bring
anything you have done, however vague. You have told me of your
desire for this work, but we have not spoken of the question of cost. I
have ventured to anticipate that point somewhat, by assuring him now
that you were not a mercenary person, and that your first interest
would be to have the necessary time to make his work an artistic
success. Of course, it goes without saying that you should receive
adequate compensation. Please think this over before we meet, and be
prepared to give some approximate idea of your views:
1st As to the choice of subject and treatment
2nd As to time
3rd As to cost. (Letter CFM to H. Siddons Mowbray (HSM), January 22, 1898, CFM
Papers. LC reel # 3.)
. . . I am much obliged to you for your letter on the subject of your
proposed decoration for Mr. F.W. Vanderbilt, which I have today
enclosed in a letter to Mr. Vanderbilt, recommending that he
approve it and authorize the work at the earliest moment. Doubtless,
it may require some little time yet before the ceiling will be fully
designed, and a contract decided, but meanwhile I have asked Mead
to bring you and Vanderbilt together, and to confer with you both,
and reach a decision.
The central elliptical panel makes a great improvement in the design
of the ceiling. Step in and look it over with Mead. (Letter CFM to HSM, January 26,
1898, CFM Papers, LC reel #3.)
. . . Mr. Vanderbilt is expected in town today, and I have written,
asking him to leave authority to honor our certificate in your favor
for $2000, on account of your decoration at Hyde Park." (Letter CFM to HSM, June 27,
1898, CFM Papers, LC reel #4.)
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