The Museum of Florida History today announced that a 1930s painting of St. Augustine’s fort Castillo de San Marcos has joined the collection. The Museums of Florida History Foundation donated the artwork.
“It is very important for the Museum to collect a wide range of artifacts that interpret Florida’s history,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “Since 2000, we have worked with the Museums of Florida History Foundation to enhance the Museum’s permanent collection and exhibits.”
At a recent reception honoring the donation, Foundation members welcomed State Representative Cyndi Stevenson, whose district includes St. Augustine.
Museums of Florida History Foundation Board Members (L to R) Jeanette Wilk Yaeger, Pep Culpepper, State Representative Cyndi Stevenson, and Board President Dave Mica stand with the newly-donated painting of the fort at St. Augustine.
PHOTO: Fort at St. Augustine
Artist: Dolly Bee Breitenbaugh
Oil painting on canvas board, 1935
Collection of the Museum of Florida History
Donated by the Museums of Florida History Foundation
The oil painting, by artist Dolly Bee Breitenbaugh, portrays the historic Spanish colonial fort at St. Augustine, the Castillo de San Marcos. Constructed between 1672 and 1695, the fortification was called Fort Marion from 1821 until 1942. An early radio communications tower that the U.S. military built on the grounds of the fort is included in the painting. This shows how the skyline of the ancient city developed, but retained its historic features.
Breitenbaugh depicted the fort as seen from the Bridge of Lions in 1935. The Kansas native received her training at the Kansas City Art Institute, and presumably painted the scene during a vacation to the city.
This painting continues a project to build a collection of pre-World War II paintings that artistically portray the historical development of Florida cities.
About the Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Office of External Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.
