The first is a rendering of Nassau Hall by Dawkins, from New
American Magazine, published in 1760, four years after the
building was completed. This building was later seriously
damaged during the American Revolution. Paintings by Peale, Polk
and Trumbull depicting George Washington and the Battle of
Princeton have Nassau Hall in the backdrop, thus reminding the
viewer of Princeton's contribution to the Revolutionary cause
and its subsequent sufferings. Nassau Hall was severely damaged
by fire several times in the course of the nineteenth century.
Latrobe's sketch and floor plan were intended for reconstruction
of the building after one such disaster of 1802. This remodeled
building lasted and remained a favorite subject of painters' and
engravers' until another fire in 1855 required yet another
reconstruction. Drawings and engravings from the nineteenth
century show the differences of these two designs. The
collection includes paintings and drawings of a few other
buildings at Princeton. Stanhope Hall and Ph