Peter Cooper (ca. 1698-1725)
The South East Prospect of the City of Philadelphia. ca. 1718.
Library Company of Philadelphia
Oil on canvas. 20" x 87"
Gift of George Mifflin Dallas, 1857.

This is the oldest surviving oil painting of any North American city. A numbered key identifies landmarks, and the artist has depicted himself sketching the scene in the lower left corner.

Cooper's painting captures the city's flourishing trade and a skyline impressive in a city that is so recently founded. To the left of center is John Whitpain's "Great House". In the center of the view is William Frampton's brewery and the Skales Tavern. The Pennypot Tavern is on the extreme right.

Click here for a better view of the note on the painting.

Description from Peter Thompson, Rum Punch and Revolution: Taverngoing & Public Life in Eighteenth Century Philadelphia (Univ of Pennsylvania Press, 1998). GoogleBooks Preview

The Painting is on display on the East Wall of the Logan reading room of The Library Company of Philadelphia. The website of the Library Company includes a magnificent panoramic view of the Logan Room.



1. The Draw Bridge
2. Buds Building
3. Edward Shipens
4. Ant Morris Brew House
5. Capt Vinings
6. Jonathan Dickinsons
7. John Witpains
8. Capt Anthonys
9. George Painters
10. Jos Shippens
11. William Fishbourns Stores
12. The Scales
13. Jo Carpenters Store
14. Sam Carpenter's Store
15. Sam Carpenter's Dwelling Ho.
16. Saml Bunkleys
17. Quaker Meeting House
18. The Court House
19. Abrm Bickleys
20. Thomas Masters
21. Sam Perrys
22. Bank Meeting House
23. Tho Chalkley
24. Penny Pott House Source