John Bachman, “Bird’s Eye View of Philadelphia”

Published New York by Williams & Stevens, 1850, printed by Sarony & Major.

One of the greatest 19^th century views of Philadelphia. This large scale hand colored lithograph was drawn in 1850 by John Bachman, a recent immigrant from Germany, whose other city views (Washington D.C, New Orleans, and New York City) are considered masterworks. Lithography had gained popularity in the United States by 1820. It was an easier and less expensive printing method than engraving and etching, requiring less professional training and apprenticeship. Lithography also offered a more painterly effect, as the artist could draw directly on the stone which allowed for freedom of line quality. Most lithographed town and city views of the time were shown at a perspective high above the subject, offering a clear overview. When Bachman produced this large scale, detailed lithograph in 1850, Philadelphia had expanded from river to river. A bustling, energetic, industrialized city of smokestacks, solid brick buildings and plenty of green spaces, Bachman's carefully drawn depiction details many historic sites in Philadelphia which are easily recognizable today. Market Street (then known as High Street) bisects the view with its covered stalls where local farmers sold their produce. The busy ferry slip at the foot of Market Street connected with New Jersey and points north. The misshapen hill on the Schuylkill River was where water was pumped up and housed in a reservoir before being distributed to the citizenry. Today this is the site of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This very large, and fully original lithograph is an important and historically significant reference to Philadelphia in the mid 19^th century.