Frances Hutchins | A Technical and Historical Analysis of the Decorative Paintings by Nicola Monachesi in the Richard Alsop IV House, Middletown, Connecticut
Southeast corner of morning room. Photograph by Kate Whitney-Schubb, 2025.
Frances Hutchins (MSHP '25) won the Anthony Nicholas Brady Garvan Award for an Outstanding Thesis/Capstone.
Abstract:
The Richard Alsop IV House in Middletown, Connecticut, is significant in American architectural history for its mid-19th-century villa design and exceptional first-floor murals. Attributed to Italian émigré Nicola Monachesi, these murals are one of only two surviving works by the artist and have undergone minimal intervention since their creation. The most significant treatment occurred after Wesleyan University’s acquisition of the property in 1949, when a varnish—now discolored—was applied between 1950 and 1954. While previous conservation reports have focused primarily on varnish removal, this paper offers the first comprehensive analysis of the original paintings.
Building on previous studies, this thesis examines Monachesi’s design sources and use of engravings. It also revisits prior attribution discussions and explores why Monachesi was chosen for the commission, placing the project within the broader context of his American career.
The research explores Monachesi's complete painting process, integrating practical elements like scaffolding, lighting, and the involvement of assistants, with technical analysis of sampled surface finishes. Onsite investigation includes raking-light photography to assess surface texture, brushwork, and design transfer. Laboratory analysis uses cross-sectional microscopy and advanced instrumental techniques to identify pigments, binding media and painting stratigraphy.
The conservation history of the Alsop House paintings is also explored, with a focus on challenges such as overpainting, material preservation, and past interventions. Beyond offering guidance for future conservation work, the photographic documentation and analysis serve as valuable resources for scholars, adding to our knowledge of Nicola Monachesi and early 19th-century decorative painting techniques.
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