Aubrun, Louis "Main Building. International Exhibition, 1876. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia"

Louis Aubrun.  “Main Building.  International Exhibition.  1876.  Fairmount Park Philadelphia.” 

Philadelphia: Thomas Hunter, 1874.  13 3/4 x 22 3/4.  Tinted lithograph.  Full margins.  Slight discoloration at left.  Overall, very good condition.  Prints of Philadelphia: 230. 

A large lithographic view of the main building for the Centennial International Exhibition, held in Philadelphia in 1876.  This print was issued by Thomas Hunter, who took over the firm of P.S. Duval & Son, and continued to issue excellent prints of Philadelphia.  The largest group of prints he issued was a series commissioned by the Centennial Board of Finance as part of the effort to publicize the forthcoming fair, and to raise money for this ambitious project.  The prints were based upon official plans for the buildings, and they were designed to be sold separately as souvenirs of what was to become America’s first great tourist attraction.  This print was designed to picture the impressive main building of the exhibition in all its architectural splendor, its huge size highlighted by the milling crowds strewn about.  This temporary structure was the largest building in the world when built, covering over 20 acres.  It was located just in front of the Art Gallery, near the main entrance, and it housed the exhibits of the many nations that were participating in the Centennial.