Brady, Mathew "M Van Buren" [facsimile signature]

Mathew Brady, attr. "M Van Buren." [facsimile signature]

New York: Johnson, Fry & Co., 1857.  8 3/4 x 6 3/4.  Steel engraving by William Wellstood.  Decorative border with vignette.  Framed.

The middle of the nineteenth century saw an increase in the interest in illustrated works on American travel and history.  Publishers throughout the United States issued such volumes, all of which included myriad steel engraved scenes and portraits of figures from contemporary and past American history.  Battles, speeches, signings, Presidents, politicians, and many other subjects were produced with fine detail for these popular works.