Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 196

"[Lot of 6 - Western United States]", Appleton & Company

Subject: Western United States

Period: 1872-75 (published)

Publication: Picturesque America

Color: Black & White

Size:
9 x 6 inches
22.9 x 15.2 cm
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"Picturesque America" was published by Appleton & Co., New York, 1872-75. It was the most elaborate publication of travel imagery produced in the 1870s. This publication set out to reveal the unique and varied scenery of all of America. This was made possible by the recent opening of transcontinental railroads and overland communications. It was considered the definitive treatment of the American landscape, and its appearance just before the nation's Centennial graphically marked the United States' progress in exploration and development of scenic wonders during its first century. Appleton employed many of America's most celebrated and respected artists to prepare the illustrations.

Lot of six of some of the most exquisite steel engravings of western America from Picturesque America: 1. Golden Gate (From Telegraph Hill). A gorgeous view looking down on the city of San Francisco before the bridge was built.
2. Mirror Lake, Yosemite Valley. Stunning view with hunters pursuing a swimming deer.
3. Emigrants Crossing the Plains. Beautifully rendered scene with early pioneers traveling across the plains in a covered wagon.
4. Native Californians Lassoing a Bear. This is one of the most dramatic hunting scenes in the series.
5. The Rocky Mountains. Pastoral scene of an Indian village on the banks of Cherry Creek, near the site of present-day Denver.
6. Mount Shasta. An imposing view with a Native American camp in the foreground.

References:

Condition: A

All crisp and clean with one or two small spots in margins.

Estimate: $250 - $300

Sold for: $190

Closed on 12/6/2006

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