Bartlett, William Henry “The Catterskill Falls” (From Above the Ravine)

William Henry Bartlett. “The Catterskill Falls.”  (From Above the Ravine).  [New York]. 

From American Scenery.  London: George Virtue, [1839-1840].  ca. 5 x 7.  Steel engraving.  Hand color.  Small stain in margin.  Very good condition.  

William Henry Bartlett (1809-1854) was a British landscape artist famous for his views of all parts of the world.  He made several trips to the United States in order to gather sketches for a book about American scenery to written by N.P. Willis and published by George Virtue.  This work, American Scenery, discussed the natural wonders, architectural monuments and city landmarks of America, and the text was accompanied by a charming collection of views of these sites drawn by Bartlett.  This was one of the most successful and popular series of such views of the nineteenth century.  Of all images of America’s past, these remain among the most popular.