antique prints, maps and watercolors

(Boston) Harper's Weekly, 1882. $250.00

click for detailed image woodengquincyvlg.jpg

"Quincy Market, Boston"

In the 19th century, before photography became commonplace, newspapers and periodicals were illustrated with wood engravings. Many of the best artists of the day earned their bread and butter creating the original designs for these prints and engraving them. In this case, A.B. Schults drew a wonderfully detailed depiction of the market bustling with people, animals and commerce. The accompanying text explains how Quincy Market was named after Joshiah Quincy who when mayor of the city proposed the improvement of the Fanuel Hall Market , "then over 80 years old, was not only too small to meet the wants of the people, but it was notoriously unhealthy, and inconvenient of access..."

These minutely detailed original prints provide wonderful glimpses into the daily life of the period and provide invaluable information concerning the architectural detail of specific locations and individual buildings.

16 x 11 inches, sheet.
Hand colored wood engraving.
Excellent condition.