The Boston Fire
William Morris Hunt
(American, 1824–1879)
1872
Medium/TechniqueCharcoal on brown paper
Dimensions21.6 x 28.6cm (8 1/2 x 11 1/4in.)
Credit LineGift of Miss Aimée and Miss Rosamond Lamb
Accession number69.1127
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On the evening of November 9, 1872, fire broke out at the corner of Summer and Kingston Streets, in downtown Boston. By the time the flames died down, they had consumed 65 acres and 776 buildings—the worst disaster in Boston’s history. Hunt captures the drama from the safety of Dorchester Heights, far from his studio, which burned during the night.
ProvenanceAimée and Rosamond Lamb, Boston, MA; gift to MFA, September 17, 1969.
William Morris Hunt
