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Engraved Views

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Copper Plate engravings of the 18th and early 19th centuries

Vues d'Optique or Perspective Views:

Perspective views, or "vues d'optique," are a special type of popular print published in Europe during the 18th century. These prints provided a form of entertainment when viewed through a device called an "optical machine" or an "optique." The most characteristic feature of the perspective views is their emphasized linear perspective, done to further intensify the enhanced appearance of depth and illusionistic space in the prints when viewed through an optique. When displayed in the optique, the prints might transport the viewer into a far away place---an unknown city, or perhaps into the midst of a dramatic bit of contemporary history. Another attribute of these prints is their bright, often crude hand coloring, applied boldly so as to show the tints when viewed through the lens.

A number of perspective prints depicted American scenes at the time of the Revolution for a European audience hungry for news of the events in the British colonies. These images are supposed to show New York, though none is based on any actual New York view, and no buildings or docks such as those shown existed anywhere the city. However, the intent of thise prints was more to present a graphic picture for the viewer's interest rather than to record an accurate historical scene. As documents of American history and European printmaking, these are unusual and appealing eighteenth-century prints.

"Representation du Feu terrible a Nouvelle Yorck…." [The terrible fire in New York.] Narrow margins. Overall, very good condition. This print purportedly shows the burning of New York as the British moved in behind the retreating Americans on September 19, 1776. A dramatic scene even if imaginary. $1,400
“La Destruction de la Statue royale a Nouvelle Yorck.” [Destruction of the Royal Statue in New York.]. Some chipping and short tears in wide margins. Else, very good condition. Cresswell: 261; Fowble: 172. On July 10, 1776, word of the Declaration of Independence reached New York City. A crowd gathered to hear a reading of the document, and so inspired a group proceeded to tear down the statue of George III that stood in Bowling Green. This print allegedly shows that event. $1,400

Prints from The Port Folio:

A series of early American engravings from The Port Folio. This was a new type of American magazine, "Devoted to Useful Science, the Liberal Arts, Legitimate Criticism, and Polite Literature." It was a product of the new century, appearing first in January 1801. It began as a weekly issue until 1809, when it became monthly until its demise at the end of 1827. As with the many magazines that followed it, the fine views from The Port Folio are some of the most unusual and early American-made views of the country, and they form an important series of documents from the first three decades of the nineteenth century.

"View of East-River or Sound, taken from Riker's Island, with a distant view of the Seat of Joshua Washington Esqr." December 1810. 3 5/8 x 6 1/4. Engraved by Peter Maverick. Stauffer: 2240. $175

Inderwick. "The Mitchel-Light-House on Sands's Point in Long Island Sound." October 1811. 3 1/2 x 6. Engraving by Leney. $225

"Characteristic Scenery of the Hudson River." [Palissades, New York.] May 1812. 3 3/8 x 6 1/2. $150

Charles Canda. Certificate of membership in "General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen." N.Y., ca. 1820s, but printed in the 1850s. Engraving by B. Tanner. 16 3/4 x 21 1/4 (neatlines) with complete margins. Excellent except for two vertical folds, probably as issued.

This Society was founded in 1785 as a mutual help for workmen and their families in sickness and distress. It took the present title in 1786 and was chartered by the State of New York in 1792. The 1802 erection of the then new and present City Hall was accomplished primarily by the members of this society. In 1810 it founded the Mechanics Bank, and in 1820 the Mechanics and Tradesmen School with its library was founded. It continues to operate today as a society for mechanics and architects. The library is famous and the second oldest in New York city.

This certificate is not original but probably printed from the original plate and folded into a book or magazine. It is a lovely allegory to illustrate the functions of the society in the 1820s. A widow receives a money purse from a member while another shows an orphan the way to the school. In the background is a steamship and shipbuilding, both staples of the New York economy. A handsome eagle holds a ribbon around an oval that was probably intended for a wax seal. In four corners putti engage in manufacturing and agriculture. $350

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NEW YORK CITYEngraved Views

Copper Plate engravings of the 18th and early 19th centuries

Vues d'Optique or Perspective Views:

Prints from The Port Folio:

NEW YORK CITY
Engraved Views