The Five Points

Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen, 1822

MEDIUMOil on wood panel
DIMENSIONS17 × 23 1/2 in. (43.2 × 59.7 cm) Framed: 27 × 33 × 2 1/4 in. (68.6 × 83.8 × 5.7 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe American Wing
CULTUREAmerican
CREDIT LINEBequest of Mrs. Screven Lorillard (Alice Whitney), from the collection of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, 2016

This painting plunges you into the lively, often chaotic streets of New York City's infamous Five Points neighborhood in the early 1800s, offering a vivid snapshot of urban life and its diverse inhabitants.

Get the full experience in Art Whisper
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
ABOUT THIS WORK

A bustling street scene unfolds in "The Five Points," capturing a slice of early 19th-century New York City life. The painting shows a vibrant, if chaotic, intersection, teeming with people engaged in various activities. Horse-drawn carts and wagons navigate through the crowd, while individuals converse, hawk wares, and simply observe the daily spectacle. The architecture of the buildings, though somewhat generalized, hints at the period's urban landscape, with multi-story structures lining the busy thoroughfare. This work offers a rare glimpse into a notorious neighborhood, known for its dense population and diverse social strata, presenting it not as a moralizing tale but as a dynamic, living environment. The artist, though unknown, effectively conveys the energy and complexity of this significant historical location.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Look at the variety of figures, from laborers to more formally dressed individuals.

2

Notice the horse-drawn vehicles and their interaction with the pedestrians.

3

Observe the details of the buildings, like windows and doorways.

2 more details waiting — unlock in Art Whisper
Audio Deep Dive

This painting plunges you into the lively, often chaotic streets of New York City's infamous Five Points neighborhood in the early 1800s, offering a vivid snap…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen

This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.

Read Artist's full story in Art Whisper
See something wrong?
Open the App