Recent Acquisitions: 2022 – 2025
Andalusia’s collections are extensive, varied, and old, the result of six generations of the same family living here for nearly 200 years. Yet even after the Big House stopped being an active residence, and Andalusia became a non-profit foundation in 1980, these holdings of art, archives, furniture, and decorative art kept growing.
This exhibition features highlights from over 60 works added to the collection since 2022, most of which have never been displayed at Andalusia before. The reason for each acquisition is as different as the next. A few were once part of Andalusia’s furnishings but were given away to relatives decades ago. Some depict scenes of Andalusia or portray its residents. Others relate to the lives and achievements of the wider Biddle family.
Highlights:
- Footed Salver, c. 1820, silver, by Thomas Fletcher (1787-1866). Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Stuart P. Feld, 2022.
- The Young Carpenter’s Assistant; or, A System of Architecture, adapted to the Style of Building in the United States, 1805, by Owen Biddle, Jr. (1774-1806). Gift of Edward E. Biddle, 2023.
- Hill 609, 1944, oil on canvas, by George Biddle (1885-1973). Gift of Michael Biddle, 2023.
- Big House, 1890, watercolor on paper, by Katharine Craig Biddle (1872-1919). Gift of Jamie and Kristin Biddle, 2023.
- Portrait Sketch of Andalusia, 2019, oil on synthetic paper, by Rachel Constantine (born 1973). Gift of Jamie and Kristin Biddle, 2022.
- Untitled Family Photographs, 1890, albumen silver prints, photographer unknown. Gift of Katharine H. Norris, 2025.
