Over-Mantel Painting (circa 1810)
"Over-mantel painting" (circa 1810)
Artist: Sylvester Hall
Oil on panel
Historically, this is the most important item in the Hitchcock-Phillips house. It was painted for Rufus Hitchcock by Wallingford decorator, Sylvester Hall (circa 1810). The painting depicts the Cheshire Green and parts of Main Street. The focal point is the Congregational Church. Alongside the church are little "Sabba-day houses." The second Congregational Church is depicted in the painting. (The first church was built at the corner of what is now ‘South Main Street’ and ‘Lanyon Drive’).
On the left side of the painting is the Hitchcock (now the Hitchcock-Phillips) House, which is now the home of the Cheshire Historical Society. In the painting, the house is shown as it looked before the 1820 wing was added.
Since the painting was commissioned for Rufus Hitchcock, it was displayed in his home for many years. Realizing the oil (on panel) painting's historic value, Mr. Bennett had it removed from the wall and gave it to the library for safe-keeping. Or… maybe it was removed when Cheshire Academy used the house as a school dormitory in the 1930’s! (We have heard both versions via oral tradition). In 1972, it was returned to its original location when the Cheshire Historical Society became stewards of the Hitchcock-Phillips House.
