Price: SOLD
SKU: 101691
PUBLISHER: Lith & pub. by Currier & Ives, 152 Nassau St. N.Y.
MEDIUM: Lithograph, Hand colored
DATE: 1858.
EDITION SIZE: Large folio - image size.16 3/4 x 25 1/4" (42.6 xc 64.1 cm)
DESCRIPTION: The Crystal Palace opened in New York City in 1853. The building, which covered a half city block, housed exhibits for the Exposition of the Industry of All Nations world's fair.<br><br> The New York Crystal Palace was constructed almost entirely of iron and glass for the 1853 New York Exhibition, the first World’s Fair held in the United States. Designed to be a worthy counterpart to the Crystal Palace in London, it was the focus of national pride, a sparkling landmark with an immense 100-foot dome. President Franklin Pierce presided over the opening ceremonies. After the World’s Fair, it was utilized by other organizations. At the time of the fire, it housed the 30th Annual Exhibition of the American Institute: exhibits of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, gems, models of machinery and inventions. When it suddenly went up in flames, the New York Times reported: “The calamity has struck every one aghast, for the possibility of such an event has never been calculated upon. … The great fabric of glass and iron, with its priceless treasures of art, were suddenly wiped out of existence as though they had been mere unsubstantial vapor.” Aided by high winds and the failure of the extinguishing apparatus, the fire spread with astonishing rapidity: the Times account states that within 15 minutes the dome came crashing down. Remarkably, although about 2,000 people were in the Crystal Palace when the fire broke out, no one died in the fire. However, the building and its contents were thoroughly destroyed; the Times estimated the value of the lost exhibits to be at least half a million dollars.<br><br>
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Good condition save for several short tears. On in the title margin, 3" into image. One in upper margin, 2" into image. Professionally conserved. Original hand coloring. Overall a good example of a rare print.
REFERENCE: Cunningham #743
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