Wild, J.C. “The Girard College.” From "Views of Philadelphia and its Vicinity”

J.C. Wild.  “The Girard College.” From Views of Philadelphia and its Vicinity. 

Philadelphia: J. T. Bowen, 1848.  4 15/16 x 5 11/16.  Lithograph by J.T. Bowen.  Original hand coloring.  Very good condition.  Wainwright, 64.  A/A

Wild first published his series of Philadelphia views in two editions in 1838.  They are noted for their attractive compositions and fascinating accuracy.  The series was not a success for Wild and he sold the plates to J.T. Bowen, who, after Wild had left town, issued the Second State of the series in a third edition he copyrighted in 1838.  By 1840 Bowen modified the imprints of the plates and re-copyrighted them, and then reissued the Third State (fourth edition) of the series in 1848, this time adding wonderful hand coloring.  Among the most pleasing Philadelphia prints, these provide a charming look at Philadelphia in the first half of the nineteenth century.