"[Lot of 2] University of California – Berkeley [and] Berkeley, From the Hills", Muir, John

These views are from the monumental work Picturesque California by San Francisco-based publisher James Dewing and edited by the famous naturalist John Muir. It was the first major illustrated work on the Far West produced primarily by westerners. Its exquisite illustrations were done by many of the country’s most esteemed artists using the most advanced printing processes and highest quality papers. One of the principal themes of Picturesque California was to emphasize the advancing civilization of the region and combat persistent notions of a lawless, uncivilized frontier among easterners. These views of California’s first university campus illustrate that perspective beautifully. Each plate is on a full 18.2 x 12.7" sheet and is accompanied by the original tissue guard printed with title, artist, and a quote by Muir. The University of California - Berkeley plate measures 12.0 x 8.2", and the sheet measures 9.3 x 6.2".

University of California – Berkeley by George Spiel. This is a finely rendered original etching, one of only 15 of the 120 plates prepared for the work. It depicts the expansive campus and grand buildings with a fine carriage and well-dressed people in the foreground.

Berkeley, From the Hills, photogravure from a drawing by James P. Robertson. It shows the university campus and town with the Golden Gate in the background.

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Condition: A+