Magnus, Charles “Cincinnati”

Charles Magnus.  “Cincinnati.” 

New York: Charles Magnus, ca. 1870. 3 ½ x 7 ¼.  Lithographic transfer from engraved plate. Very good condition.  

Beginning around mid-century, bird’s-eye views of American cities became very popular.  These were originally issued in the large folio size, but publishers, such as Charles Magnus of New York, soon realized that there was a market for smaller versions of these prints.  The Magnus views of this size appeared as book illustrations, letter head ornaments, and in this issue suitable for framing.