Harry Fenn. “Richmond from the James.” From Picturesque America.
New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1872. Approximately 5 x 9 (image). Steel engraving. Very good condition.
A handsome print from Picturesque America. This two volume set and others of its genre were popular during the mid-nineteenth century. Through their ample illustrations they provided a glimpse of nineteenth century America, its towns, cities, rivers, ports, important architecture, and other areas of interest. As stated by Sue Rainey, in her excellent Creating ‘Picturesque America’, “As the first publication to celebrate the entire continental nation, it enabled Americans, after the trauma of the Civil War, to construct a national self-image based on reconciliation between North and South and incorporation of the West.” (p. xiii)
Other steel engraved views from Picturesque America:
City of New York from Brooklyn Heights
Philadelphia from Belmont, West Park
Washington, from Arlington Heights