(Natural Bridge, Virginia) American Scenery. London: George Virtue, 1839. $125.00

"Natural Bridge, Virginia"

Illustrated travel books were very popular during the 19th century.  William Bartlett was one of the most talented and prolific of travel artists.  In 1836 Bartlett came to the United States to make sketches for N.P. Willis's American Scenery, a two-volume work focusing on Eastern Canada and the United States, published in London in 1839. Bartlett chose views that celebrated both the topographical beauty of North America along with views of urban areas and their economic and social prosperity.  Bartlett's prints became the most influential travel engravings of America, and are some of the earliest accessible prints of the United States.

This engraving focuses on one of the famous natural wonders of the American east coast.

Engraving with hand color,
11 x 8 1/4 inches sheet,
Excellent condition.