Berks County Almshouse, 1880

John Rasmussen

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The painting depicts a large almshouse complex. The main scene is an oval-shaped view of a sprawling red and white building complex surrounded by green fields, gardens, and pastures. Several smaller buildings are scattered around the complex, including houses, barns, and sheds. A fenced-in area contains farm animals. The complex has multiple sections including a long central building with a clock tower. The buildings have multiple stories, gabled roofs, and chimneys. In the foreground, a horse-drawn carriage is visible. The scene is framed by a gold border. Above the oval frame, an American eagle with outstretched wings holds the American flag is depicted. The background shows rolling hills and mountains under a blue sky with clouds. The bottom of the painting features a gold banner with white text that reads "View of the Berks County Almshouse 1880" and lists the names of the directors, steward, under steward, insane hospital steward, and clerk.