Reading Public Museum acquires rare Adam Mortimer Lightner painting
The Reading Public Museum Foundation has augmented its collection of early American art by acquiring a notable work, "Cupid Riding a Dolphin," created by Pennsylvania artist Adam Mortimer Lightner in 1838. Lightner, who passed away at the age of 25 in 1840, hailed from a distinguished Lancaster County family. His artistic apprenticeship began under John Beck in Lititz and was furthered in Philadelphia with the Artists' Fund Society after its founding in 1835. Lightner was influenced and supported by prominent Pennsylvania figures such as Jacob Eichholtz and Joshua Shaw. He was studying in Europe shortly before his untimely death.
Key facts
- The Foundation for the Reading Public Museum acquired Cupid Riding a Dolphin (1838).
- The painting is by Pennsylvania artist Adam Mortimer Lightner (1815–1840).
- Lightner died at age 25.
- He was born into a prominent Lancaster County family.
- His earliest training was with John Beck of Lititz.
- He studied in Philadelphia through the Artists' Fund Society (founded 1835).
- He was encouraged by Jacob Eichholtz, Bass Otis, and Joshua Shaw.
- Lightner sought advanced training in Europe.
Entities
Artists
- Adam Mortimer Lightner
- John Beck
- Jacob Eichholtz
- Bass Otis
- Joshua Shaw
Institutions
- Foundation for the Reading Public Museum
- Reading Public Museum
- Artists' Fund Society
Locations
- Pennsylvania
- Lancaster County
- Lititz
- Philadelphia
- Europe