Birch, William, after “Philadelphia"

After William Birch.  “Philadelphia.” 

London: Sherwood, Neely & Jones, 1811.  6 x 8 1/4.  Engraving.  Very good condition.  Faint transference of text and some light foxing in margins.  Else, very good condition.  A/A

A crisp engraving of Philadelphia from Kensington reduced from the frontispiece of William Birch’s The City of Philadelphia.  This is one of the most famous and popular images of the city, and this engraving well presents it.  The industry of the boat builders in the foreground emphasizes the bustling activity of the waterfront in the background.  Ships, skyline and individuals are carefully and clearly delineated.  An unusual and attractive engraving of Philadelphia from the early nineteenth century.