ARTIST: John W. Hill
PUBLISHER: Published by F. and G. W. Smith 59 Beekman St. New York.
MEDIUM: Aquatint engraving,
DATE: 1855
EDITION SIZE: 28 7/8 x 50 5/8" (73.5 x 128.5 cm plus title and margins.
DESCRIPTION: Painted by J. W. Hill. Engraved by Himley. Printed by McQueen, London. First state of three. First state is engraved in aquatint only by Sigismond Himely. In the second state, horizontal engraved lines have been added to the plate, in the sky and water, Himley imprint still noted. In the third state, Himley’s name has been removed and replaced by C. Mottram. The third state is what is normally seen in the market place. The plate survives and 20th century impressions have been produced. One easy way to tell the 20th century impressions is that the words “Proof”, located in the lower left title margin has been removed. This view shows Manhattan from the East River at approximately location of Brooklyn Heights and the Navy Yard. One of the largest engraved views of the city produced. Based upon a watercolor by John William Hill (1812-1879). He was the son of the artist John Hill and father of the artist John Henry Hill. He was a British born artist who specialized in landscapes, cityscapes and well as ornithological and zoological subjects. He produced many views of American cities for the Smith Brothers and others. He was a member of the National Academy of design.
ADDITIONAL INFO: The rare 1st state, printed in colors.
CONDITION: Good condition save for several short tears in the margins. Printed in colors.
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