Stone Church, Navesink

Artist Elva M. Wright

Period1954

MediumWatercolor and graphite on paper

Dimensions14.5 × 19.5 in. (36.8 × 49.5 cm)

InscribedInscribed lower center, "Stone Church / Navesink, 1954."

SignedSigned lower right, "Elva Wright."

ClassificationsLandscapes & Still Life

Credit LineMarshall P. Blankarn Purchasing Fund, 1987

Object number1987.4.3

DescriptionAn abstract interpretation of a small Gothic style church of cruciform shape. The end of the nave is depicted in the foreground, with a steeply gabled entrance to its right. Transepts appear to the left and right of the nave. The entire structure is covered by steeply pitched roofs. A stained glass window ornaments the end of the nave, and also the end of the right transept. A walkway leads to the entrance with its three semicircular steps. Grass is shown on either side of the walkway, and large mature trees with green leaves arch over the entire scene.
NotesThe official name of Stone Church in Navesink, Monmouth County, is All Saints' Memorial Church. This National Historic Landmark, designated as such in 1988, was constructed in 1863 and completed in 1864. The church and its major buildings, including a Parish House and Rectory, were designed by Richard M. Upjohn, a New York City architect and son of Richard Upjohn, a prominent architect who specialized in Gothic Revival Episcopal churches. Both father and son are recognized for their contributions to the English Gothic Revival in American architecture, of which the All Saints' complex is a prime example. Elva M. Wright (1886 - 1973), of Long Branch, Monmouth County, studied art at Columbia University and the Art Students League. She may have also studied informally with John Marin and Kuniyoshi. Wright taught in the Long Branch school system, and painted in Woodstock, VT, in the summer. She was a prominent member of many local and national art organizations.

Collections