Hill, John W. “Boston"

John W. Hill (1812-1879).  “Boston.”

Boston: F. & G.W. Smith, 1857.  24 1/2 x 38.  Engraving by C. Mottram.   Printed by McQueen, in London on chine appliqué mounted to a heavier backing sheet as issued.  Two diagonal tears into image left hand side: one seven inch the other one inch.  One inch rectangular fill in margin left hand side.  Light tide stain bottom left hand side of image and in center of image.  Scattered light mold spotting in bottom margin.  Surface wear in some areas of margins.  Print is entirely backed with rice paper from previous conservation with various areas on verso newly reinforced with archival tape.  Print is time-toned and somewhat brittle.  Professional paper conservation will dramatically increase the visual appeal and the value of the print.  Sold as is.  A/A 

A very large and finely detailed panoramic view of Boston.  The Smith brothers, Francis, George W., David C., and Benjamin F., grew up in Maine working on their father’s farm.  By 1846, Francis and George became involved as agents and salesmen for Edwin Whitefield, who had recently started his series of American views.  Shortly thereafter, Benjamin also joined Whitefield, possibly helping him with the drawing on some of his prints.  In 1849 the Smiths established their own print publishing firm and proceeded to produce some of the most impressive American city views of the nineteenth century, including this lovely image of Boston.  This print was drawn by J.W. Hill, with C. Mottram engraving it onto steel. It is interesting to note that though the Smith brothers’ views were generally lithographs, this was done as an engraving, and was printed in London.  The perspective is convincingly rendered and the detail is excellent.  As John Reps says, “the Smith brothers’ views achieved a standard that equaled or surpassed the best work of its kind.”  [Reps, Views and Viewmakers of Urban America p.207]