Krimmel, J. L. "White's Great Cattle Show, and Grand Procession of the Victuallers of Philadelphia"

J. L. Krimmel.  "White's Great Cattle Show and Grand Procession of the  Victuallers of Philadelphia."           

Philadelphia: A. Clement, 1860-61. Third edition. 14 3/8 x 23 1/4. Lithographed on stone by L. Haugg. Printed by F. Bourquin & Co. Original hand coloring. Expertly repaired tears, some extending into image and title area. Otherwise, very good condition.

This splendid view of early Philadelphia prosperity was the work of a celebrated and popular artist of the period. John L. Krimmel was a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1810, settling in Philadelphia, where he painted portraits, miniatures, and good-natured street and domestic scenes. This elaborate visual chronicle was one of his most celebrated works. As the long caption to the print explains, the event being commemorated is the conveying to market of an especially fine and abundant 'harvest' of livestock. We are told that 100 carts were required to transport 86,731 pounds of beef, pork, lamb, etc., all of which was sold within 24 hours. The successful cattle merchants are named individually along with an account of their contributions. The significance of the event and the picture as the fruition of the city's economic success and encouragement of good works is summed up in the seal and motto, "We feed the hungry," that appears in the title line.