Description

Signed lower right.

Original paper label accompanying painting reads:

“The Five Persons whose Group Portrait you see share in the History of the School of Architecture & Planning of The Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

CHARLES HOWARD WALKER Left, standing.

Instructor and lecturer in Fine Arts, 1884-1933, leonine both in presence and in intellectual power, he stimulated every student who met him.

WILLIAM HENRY LAWRENCE Left, sitting.

Professor of Structural Engineering, 1891-1938, head of the Architectural Engineering Option, 1927-1938, Chairman of the Department, 1918-1919, an inspired teacher of architectural engineering.

JOHN OSBORNE SUMNER Center, sitting.

Professor of European Civilization and Art, 1894-1933, distinguished scholar and indefatigable student, brilliant lecturer, he more than any other man in his time aroused the curiosity of students in the esthetic history of the western world.

HARRY WENTWORTH GARDNER. Right, standing.

Professor of Architectural Design, 1895-1943, beloved teacher and efficient administrator, he strongly influenced the design teaching in the School over a period of nearly fifty years.

WILLIAM FELTON BROWN Right, sitting.

Professor of Freehand Drawing and Water Color, 1891-1933. From his studio came the etchers, sculptors, and watercolorists, who, trained as architects, made their reputations in the arts.

Painted by Emil Pollak-Ottendorf. The Gift of Alumni and of William Emerson.”