"Penitentiary, Philadelphia"

This view was included in John H. Hinton's History and Topography of the United States of North America. Hinton's travel book was first published in 1830.  Its text and pleasing illustrations made the work so popular that it continued to be published in a variety of editions for over 30 years. The views were based upon the drawings and paintings of many well known artists, some of whom, worked on the spot. They were engraved by  accomplished engravers of the period. In this case, J. Archer's engraving was based upon C. Burton's original design. It shows the impressive building, designed by John Haviland at the center of the image with figures and a horse drawn wagon in the foreground

8 x 15 inches.
Hand colored steel engraving.
Excellent condition.