Our Town - A Critique of Hecksher Museum E. Langs Huntington

It is sometimes ironic how when one is given a writing assignment in college, especially relating to art that most likely, if they have a choice, the museum one chooses is of personal interest. Heckscher was one such museum for me.

“Our Town” is an exhibit at The Heckscher Art Museum that features an archive of documents for the Town of Huntington, New York. Documents range from a deed substantiating claims of the land from the Indians in 1653 to a large collection of watercolors by Edward Lange, depicting the area with prints that capture the time. His use of watercolors and India ink give his works an authentic detail that captures the time wonderfully.

Lange, a German immigrant, found his way to Commack in 1871. He first was a farmer but gave up farming in his early twenties to become a painter. Lange’s artistic eye for fresh views and his charming portrayal of the town of Commack today offers valuable insights into life just after the birth of our nation in the town of Huntington. There is a letter in the exhibit that was sent by Lange to a Mr. Carll S. Burr, who seemed to be a dear friend. but Lange scathes at the fact that a

The proportions and scales are finally very well established, along with his subject matter

talented artist could not earn a living with the wealthy land owning aristocracy on Long Island. He notes that where he is relocated in Washington, he can make a living and is judged by his self worth not his “lucre.”

Some topics in this essay:
Robert Kissam, Carll Burr, Hecksher Museum, Huntington Pottery, Lange German, Thimble Factory”, African American, Museum September, Eaton’s Neck, Street Northport, art museum, lange’s art, town huntington, documents town, heckscher art, heckscher art museum, “our town”, lange’s painting,