The Capitol in Williamsburg

Date1930-1935

Maker John T. Zaharov (? - 1961)

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOH: 15 in.; OW: 19 in.

Credit LineGift of Michael Towle

Object number2018-207

DescriptionLandscape painting of the reconstruction Capitol in Williamsburg.
Label TextJohn Zaharov was a Russian immigrant who trained as an architect at MIT. In the 1920s/30s he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps at both Colonial Williamsburg and with the APVA at Jamestown. In 1930 he made measured drawings and scale models of the Capitol's excavated foundations and provided detailed analysis of the various periods of brickwork and mortar.

While in Williamsburg, Zaharov supposedly created three paintings - the Pulaski Club which is said to have been commissioned by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and purchased from the artist for display at the Taliferro Cole House; and two paintings that were completed for the woman from whom Zaharov rented a room in town. The other painting (currently unlocated) is rumored to be of the Palace.