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 
