Catalog Archive
Auction 130, Lot 303

"Satterlee U.S.A. General Hospital, West Philadelphia", Magnus, Charles

Subject: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, - Civil War

Period: 1864 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
17 x 11 inches
43.2 x 27.9 cm
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This is a rare chromolithograph that was published by James D. Gay of Philadelphia and lithographed in New York by Charles Magnus. The birds-eye view shows the "largest and most complete Army Hospital in the world" with 84 wards and 4500 beds. The permanent buildings of the hospital are surrounded by several hundred tents to handle the large number of soldiers arriving daily from the field since the "Great battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania." Notes include the visiting days and hours as well as information on the Sisters of Charity, Reading Room, and other services available to the patients and their visitors. Given the perspective, the view was likely taken from a balloon photograph. Seven horse drawn ambulance wagons are entering the grounds. Blank verso. At bottom a notice informs the viewer that a copy "will be sent by mail to any part of the United States on receipt of 75 cents." A rare view that is not in Reps.

References:

Condition: B+

Very fine impression with bright color and full margins. The wide margins have some foxing and a light water stain at lower right.

Estimate: $325 - $400

Sold for: $230

Closed on 12/2/2009

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