62 THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART 



faithfulness, as a representation of the original, is vouched for 

 by a certificate, among others, from our lamented countryman, 

 Thomas Crawford." 



1858-1864 



This period was especially noteworthy in regard to art mat- 

 ters, since during this time all of the art and other collections 

 in the museum at the Patent Office were turned over to the 

 Smithsonian Institution. Such as belonged to the Government 

 were transferred in 1858, the first year in which the furnishings 

 in the Smithsonian building were sufficiently advanced to re- 

 ceive them. The property of the National Institute, however, 

 remained at the Patent Office until the dissolution of that 

 society by the expiration of its charter in 1862. It is also inter- 

 esting to note that it was in 1858 that the Government began to 

 share in the cost of caring for and maintaining the museum at 

 the Institution, although the entire expense was not provided 

 for by Congressional appropriations until many years later. 



The following is from the report of Secretary Henry for 1858: 



"A large number of portraits, formerly in the Patent Office, 

 of Indian chiefs and a few females of the different tribes which 

 have from time to time visited Washington, which were painted 

 at the expense of government, has been added to the Gallery 

 of Art. These, with the Stanley paintings, now form perhaps 

 the most valuable collection in existence of illustrations of the 

 features, costumes, and habits of the aborigines of this country. 



"This gallery is an object of special interest to all visitors to 

 the national metropolis, and to none more so than to the deputa- 

 tions of Indians frequently called to Washington to transact 

 business with the government. A suggestion has been made 

 that there be procured photographic likenesses of individuals 

 of these deputations, with which to increase the number of por- 

 traits. It would be a matter of regret were the collections ever 

 to be separated, and it is hoped that Congress will in due time 

 purchase the portraits belonging to Mr. Stanley, which will become 

 more and more valuable in the progress of the gradual extinction 

 of the race of which they are such faithful representations. 



"A number of busts of distinguished individuals, that formed 

 a part of the objects of art at the Patent Office, have also been 



