Birch, Thomas “Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie”

Thomas Birch.  “Perry’s Victory on Lake Erie.” 

Chicago: Kurz & Allison, ca. 1890.  17 ½ x 25 (image).   Chromolithograph.  Repaired tear into image bottom corner right hand side.  Two repaired tears with a small fill in image right hand side.  Repaired tear into image from bottom.  All skillfully in-painted.  Else, fine condition.  Sold as is.  A/A

The Chicago firm of Kurz & Allison is well remembered for its production of commemorative prints using the latest technological advances.  Founded in 1880, their avowed purpose was to design “for large scale establishments of all kinds, and in originating and placing on the market artistic and fancy prints of the most elaborate workmanship.”  Elaborate they certainly were–the majority of their prints being extremely busy, with action throughout the image.  Drawn in a rigid style that follows from Kurz’s background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images.