Philadelphia: J. Kelly & Sons, 1866. 17 ½ x 24 7/8. Lithograph. Original hand color. Good margins. Repaired tears in sky. Else, good condtion. Framed with UV filtering glass.
A lovely image of rural America by the nineteenth-century publisher, John Kelly. Kelly and his sons Thomas, George and Peter, were among the more successful and impressive publishers of the period, creating archetypal and idyllic views of all areas of life in America. These views were hugely popular, produced in the same style used by the well known and more prolific firm of Currier and Ives. Kelly’s work is distinctive for the strong coloring, and vivid, forthright compositions. This is a fine example of the firm’s production, showing off an appealing country lane in summer, a charming, well groomed house, and people involved in seasonal activities such as picnicking, riding and walking. The print is well lithographed with careful detail, and then brightly hand-colored; the result is a completely engaging and harmonious view of nineteenth-century America.