(Richmond) New York: Appleton & Co., 1874. $150.00

“Richmond from the James”

William Cullen Bryant's 19th century publication Picturesque America; or the Land We Live In, was the last in a long tradition of American "view" or gift books. This extremely popular work was illustrated with 49 finely engraved steel plates of various American cities and natural wonders. Much of what Victorian Americans knew about the United States was gathered from the pages of Bryant's informative and beautiful text, published by D. Appleton and Company of New York in 1872. Picturesque America allowed readers to explore the great United States without leaving their arm chairs. A striking image with the mountain at the center towering over the water below where Native Americans move through the water on a long boat and tepee encampment line the banks.

This print provides an interesting view of the city from the perspective of beneath a bridge on  the James River.

9 1/2 x 13 inches, sheet.
Hand colored steel plate engraving.
Excellent condition.
Light overall patina.