This lithograph appeared as the frontispiece of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s 1847 annual report and depicts their recently completed building. Located on South Sixth Street facing Washington Square, the building, designed by John Notman, was one of the first in Philadelphia to utilize brownstone. The Athenaeum was founded in 1814 to collect materials "connected with the history and antiquities of America, and the useful arts, and generally to disseminate useful knowledge" for public benefit.  Today as a member-supported, not-for-profit, special collections library, the Athenaeum serves thousands of readers annually, particularly those with an interest in historic architecture and interior design.

Congratulations to the following people who correctly identified the image:

Carol Ann Harris
Francis W. Hoeber
Jennifer L. Hoffmaster
Tom Keels
David Long
Steve Lynch
Martha Morris
Herb Moskovitz
Hy Myers
Holly A. Phelps
Andrew Terhune
Richard Tyler

Sarah Weatherwax
Curator of Prints & Photographs