Evening Bivouac Amidst Rocky Ruins - A Glimpse Into 19th-Century Exploration

Title: Scenic Expedition to Cadotte’s Pass in the Rocky Mountains Description: This historic lithograph, titled "Approach to Cadotte’s Pass," captures a timeless view of one of Mont...

Geological Landmark: Point of Rocks in the Ancient Lake Colorado Desert This remarkable lithograph depicts the fascinating geological formation known as "Point of Rocks," located...

Nez Perces Gathering in the Pacific Northwest This lithograph, titled "Nez Perces," captures a vivid depiction of the Nez Perce people in their natural forested homeland in the Pa...

"Historic Pioneer Scene: Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham in the American West" This evocative lithograph, titled "Awaiting the Return of Mr. Tinkham," captures a vivid moment of ...

In the mid-nineteenth century, the United States government set out to survey and document its newly acquired lands and territories west of the Mississippi. The goals of these surveys were manifold: to produce topographical maps, to document flora and fauna, and to document natural resources to build the emerging US economy. These surveys, and the images from them, also functioned to build the new sense of American identity with the landscape, condensing vistas into the 'picturesque' tradition of European image making. Thus, the entire span of US territory could be seen as a single, cohesive whole. This lithograph comes from one of six surveys commissioned by the Army's Topographic Bureau in 1853, which sought to find the best route to construct a transcontinental railroad. The result was a thirteen-volume report including maps, lithographs, and technical data entitled 'Explorations and Surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a Railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific Ocean.' In particular, the print comes from the northern survey, commanded by Isaac Stevens, which explored the regions between the 47th and 49th parallels. In this image, Stanley shows an encampment of the people known as the Red River of the North hunters. They were generations of European and mixed-race trappers who lived on the frontier and had Indian wives and mixed-race children. They had come to the area for bison hunting, as the herds were still vast on the prairies. In the image, the figures and their encampment are dwarfed by the vast landscape around them, indicating the sublimity of these new American territories. 5.75 x 8.75 inches, image 6.5 x 9.25 inches, stone 17 x 20 inches, frame Artist 'Stanley Del.' lower left Entitled 'Camp Red River Hunters' lower center margin Publisher 'Sarony, Major & Knapp. Lith.s 449 Broadway N.Y.' lower right Inscribed 'U.S.P.R.R. EXP. & SURVEYS — 47th & 49th PARALLELS' upper left Inscribed 'GENERAL REPORT — PLATE XII' upper right Framed to conservation standards using 100 percent rag matting with French accents; glazed with UV5 Plexiglas to inhibit fading; housed in a gold reverse ogee moulding. Print in overall good condition; some localized foxing and discoloration; minor surface abrasions to frame. John Mix Stanley...

A large folio hand colored lithograph by Nathaniel Currier (1813-1888) and James Merritt Ives (1824-1895) titled "Camping Out Some of the Right Sort" published by Currier and Ives, New York, 1856. A charming and evocative composition depicting a group of mid-19th century men...

Fully-entitled: Army of the Potomac. The Wagon Trains of the Army of the Potomac en Route from Chickahominy to James River VA. During the Seven...

Ancient View of Corynth is an original modern artwork realized in the first half of the 19th Century. Original B/W Lithograph on Ivory Paper. Inscripted on the lower margin in Ca...