"Golden Gate (from Telegraph Hill)", Smillie, James D.

"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.

Lovely panoramic view from a hill overlooking the city and bay with a beautiful sunset sky. Early street layout evident on facing hill with very few buildings constructed. In the bay are several sailing ships and one steamer making its way into the bay. Precisely engraved on steel by E. P. Branderd and published by D. Appleton & Co.

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Condition: A

Attractive color on clean, bright paper with some light stains along sheet edges at top and bottom, and very minor rippling of the paper (which appears as light shadows in the top blank margin in the image).