antique prints, maps and watercolors

(New York) ...Suspension Bridge... New York: Harper's Weekly, 1877. $250.00

click for detailed image brooklyn bridgevlg.jpg

 

“From Tower to Tower – The Suspension-Bridge Over the East River- View From the Brooklyn Tower”

In the nineteenth century, before photography became commonplace, newspapers, guidebooks, and periodicals were illustrated with wood engravings. They contained beautiful images that are technically superb original nineteenth century prints, invaluable for the historical information they provide. The prints provide glimpses into the daily life of the period and a great deal of information concerning the architectural detail of specific locations and individual buildings.  In this case two gentlemen -  could the one pointing with his walking stick be the engineer and architect, John Roebling? – admire the structure and marvel at the bridge that connected the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Construction had begun 10 years before but another 4 years passed before the bridge could be dedicated and open to traffic.

10 1/4 by 15 ¼ inches, sheet.
Hand colored wood engraving.
Excellent condition.