David Bustill Bowser (1820-1900)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
A self-taught Black artist, Bowser, who lived here, began his career as a landscape, sign emblem, and banner painter. He also painted portraits including several of Lincoln and one of abolitionist John Brown.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
David Bustill Bowser, a self-taught Black artist, lived and worked here in 19th-century Philadelphia. He began painting signs, banners, and emblems—the everyday commercial art of the era—before turning to portraiture. Among his subjects were Abraham Lincoln, whom he painted several times, and the abolitionist John Brown, linking his brush to the great antislavery cause of his age.
Why it matters
Bowser's work shows how a Black craftsman built an artistic career amid the constraints of his time and helped shape the visual memory of the Civil War era's defining figures.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center0.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.5 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery0.6 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery0.6 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art0.6 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Philly Gun Range0.5 mi away · North Percy Street
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.5 mi away
- Elfreth's Alley0.5 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.6 mi away
- President's House0.7 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.7 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.6 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Bubble Tea Room0.7 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.7 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.7 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork0.7 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.7 mi away
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.6 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing0.6 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia House0.7 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Penn's View Hotel0.7 mi away · 14 North Front Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City0.7 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · David Bustill Bowser
- · Abraham Lincoln
- · John Brown
Themes & tags
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Pennsylvania Hall
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Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society
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