D0023 - Cincinnati’s South Bank & Duveneck’s Hometown
Course Description
Condé Nast Traveler enthusiastically endorses metropolitan Cincinnati: “Where Midwest Vibrancy Meets Southern Charm.” Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market are examples of “Midwest Vibrancy,” and “Southern Charm” refers to Northern Kentucky’s “Bourbon Trail.” Yet, there is so much more to Cincinnati’s “South Bank,” besides the “distilleries of Kentucky’s world-famous export.”
Covington, located on the southern side of the Ohio River, is a thriving blend of the past and present. Just walk along the Roebling Bridge to savor its unique skyline and the many restored 19th-century homes and buildings.
No one would agree more about Covington than a world-famous painter, so synonymous with the Queen City’s heritage. Artistic deity Frank Duveneck (1848-1919) was born in Covington. A fellow legendary portraitist, John Singer Sargent, (1856-1925) called him “the greatest talent of the brush of this [their] generation.” (Cincinnati Art Museum) In tribute to Duveneck, his native city hosts an out-of-the-ordinary venue displaying his works.
We will meet at the Covington Public Library for a brief presentation about Duveneck. Then an intimate look at the library’s collection of Duveneck’s works, including six etchings and 18 paintings, awaits.
Back in the classroom, we will travel through Covington’s history, which in the past was overshadowed by its “North Bank” neighbor but no more! A walking tour of Mr. Duveneck’s turf, including several restored Covington landmarks that date to the artist’s lifetime completes our look at Cincinnati’s “South Bank” and Duveneck's hometown.