Federal Hall - The Seat of Congress.

• Price: SOLD
  

  SKU: 101433

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• ARTIST: Peter Lacour

• PUBLISHER: Printed & Sold by A. Doolittle.

• MEDIUM: Photo-gravure after the original engraving

  DATE: 1789-1790 (c. 1910)

• EDITION SIZE: Image size 16 3/4 x 13" (42.5 x 33 cm)

• DESCRIPTION: This photo-gravure, engraved by Amos Doolittle and based on a drawing by Peter Lacour, is the only known contemporary image capturing George Washington as he took the Oath of Office to become the first President of the United States. The engraving depicts the inaugural ceremony held at New York's Federal Hall, meticulously detailed on the National Archives website. It captures a momentous day when Washington, escorted by city troops and governmental officials, took his oath in a public ceremony designed to be witnessed by as many citizens as possible, reflecting the new nation's democratic ideals. Produced in the early 20th century from an original housed at the New York Public Library, this rare print was created through photo-gravure on early-style laid paper. With fewer than five period impressions known to exist, this print not only offers a visual recount of a pivotal moment in American history but also holds significant historical value. As Washington swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, a salvo of 13 cannons marked the solemnity of the event, a scene vividly captured in this precious print.

• ADDITIONAL INFO:

• CONDITION: Good condition save for overall time-toning. Water stain in upper left corner which is largely hidden buy the engraved clouds.

• REFERENCE: Deak 180; Stokes, 1789-B-124; O'Brian, pp. 65-66.

• CATEGORIES: 18th-19th Century Subjects , Town Views - United States