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Nathaniel Olds, 1837. Creator: Jeptha Homer Wade (American, 1811-1890)
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Nathaniel Olds, 1837. Creator: Jeptha Homer Wade (American, 1811-1890)
Nathaniel Olds, 1837. The green-tinted spectacles worn by Olds were designed to protect the eyes from the intensity of Argand lamps, a type of indoor light used during the early 1800s. These lamps burned whale oil, and many people worried that its bright flames might damage eyesight.The painter of this portrait founded the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1854 and soon became one of Clevelands wealthiest industrialists. His grandson, Jeptha Wade II, was a founder of the Cleveland Museum of Art and donated the land upon which it stands as a Christmas gift to the city in 1892
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Nathaniel Olds, a man from the 19th century, wearing green-tinted spectacles. These unique glasses were specifically designed to shield the eyes from the intense brightness of Argand lamps, which were commonly used as indoor lighting during that era. The lamps burned whale oil, and there was widespread concern about potential damage to eyesight caused by their bright flames. The artist behind this remarkable portrait is Jeptha Homer Wade, an American industrialist who founded the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1854. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, Wade quickly amassed great wealth and became one of Cleveland's most affluent individuals. Interestingly enough, Jeptha Wade's grandson also left a lasting legacy in Cleveland's cultural landscape. Jeptha Wade II played a pivotal role in establishing the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art. As a Christmas gift to the city in 1892, he generously donated the land on which it stands today. This thought-provoking image not only captures Nathaniel Olds' intriguing choice of eyewear but also serves as a testament to both Jeptha Homer Wade's significant contributions to industry and his grandson's dedication to preserving art and culture within their community. It offers us a glimpse into history while highlighting connections between different aspects of society - technology advancement through telegraphy and philanthropy through artistic patronage.
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