Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Lithograph of the Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass, California, 1856

About the Item

Title: Tinted Lithograph of the Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass, 1856 Description: This lithograph, "Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass," offers a panoramic view of the expansive Great Basin as seen from the heights of Tejon Pass in California. Published as Geology Plate V in the Pacific Railroad Exploration Survey reports of 1856, the image captures the vastness and quiet beauty of this iconic region during the mid-19th century. The composition features rolling hills leading to a distant horizon, with the scene animated by figures on horseback in the foreground. These figures, likely members of the survey expedition, lend a sense of scale and activity to the otherwise serene landscape. The soft tones and subtle gradients created using tinted lithography bring the scene to life, emphasizing the open sky and the delicate textures of the terrain. As part of the Pacific Railroad Survey’s monumental documentation efforts, this lithograph serves both as a historical record of the land and an artistic interpretation of its majesty. Tejon Pass, a vital route through the mountainous region, played an essential role in the expansion and exploration of the American West. Additional info: The Tejon Pass is toward Bakersfield if you are traveling north from Los Angeles. Geographical Context: Tejon Pass is located in the Tehachapi Mountains, forming a critical route between Southern California and Central California. It is along Interstate 5 (I-5), which follows the historic El Camino Viejo and later the Grapevine Route. If traveling north from Los Angeles, Tejon Pass leads toward Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley. If traveling south from Bakersfield, Tejon Pass is the route into Southern California, descending into the Los Angeles Basin. Tejon Pass and Bakersfield Relationship: Tejon Pass is about 40 miles south of Bakersfield. The Grapevine section of I-5 is a well-known steep grade leading into the pass. Historically, the pass was a key migration and trade route used by indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, and American settlers. Condition: Very good, with clean margins and only minor signs of aging. The image remains clear and vibrant. Framing Tip: Pair this lithograph with a matte in a warm beige or soft gray tone to complement its natural hues. A wooden or antique-style metallic frame would enhance its historical charm, making it an elegant addition to a study, library, or gallery focusing on historical landscapes or Western Americana.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.15 in (20.7 cm)Width: 11.15 in (28.3 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1856
  • Condition:
    Condition: Very good, with clean margins and only minor signs of aging. The image remains clear and vibrant.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14038-131stDibs: LU3054343446082

More From This Seller

View All
1856 Tinted Lithograph of the Tejon Pass near Bakersfield and Mojave, California
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Tinted Lithograph of the Entrance to the Tejon Pass and Portion of the Tejon, 1856 Description: This lithograph, "Entrance of the Tejon Pass and a Portion of the Tejon," ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Tinted Lithograph of Valley in the Slope of the Great Basin in California, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Tinted Lithograph of Valley in the Slope of the Great Basin, 1856 Description: This beautifully tinted lithograph, "Valley in the Slope of the Great Basin, Leading from the...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Tinted Lithograph of the Great Basin from Canada de las Uvas, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Tinted Lithograph of the Great Basin from Canada de las Uvas, 1856 Description: This atmospheric lithograph, "The Great Basin from the Canada de las Uvas with Lost Mounta...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Lost Mountains in the Great Basin with Desert Flora - Mohane, California, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Lost Mountains in the Great Basin with Desert Flora This lithograph, titled "Lost Mountains in the Great Basin," captures the quiet desolation and stark beauty of the Great Basin ...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Towering Mammoth Tree in California: "Beauty of the Forest" Lithograph of 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Towering Mammoth Tree: "Beauty of the Forest" Lithograph Description: This stunning lithograph, titled "Mammoth Tree: Beauty of the Forest," captures the majesty of one of California's iconic giant sequoias, a true testament to nature's grandeur. This one is likely located in Oakland, near San Francisco in Cafifornia. The composition emphasizes the sheer scale of the tree, rising high above the surrounding forest canopy, with minute human figures at its base to provide a sense of proportion. The scene evokes both awe and tranquility, offering a glimpse into the pristine wilderness that once dominated the American landscape. Created through the detailed process of lithography, this piece was produced by T. Sinclair's renowned lithographic studio in Philadelphia. The precision and delicate shading of the print reflect the artist's dedication to realism, while the warm, earthy tones enhance its timeless appeal. Lithography, celebrated for its ability to capture intricate details, was a revolutionary art form in the 19th century, making this print both a historical and artistic treasure. The Mammoth Trees, California's iconic giant sequoias, are nowadays primarily found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The most famous groves include: Giant Forest, located in Sequoia National Park, home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. Mariposa Grove, located in Yosemite National Park, home to the Grizzly Giant and other famous sequoias. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, located in northern California, one of the first groves to be widely publicized. Kings Canyon...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Tinted Lithograph of a View on the Gila Below the Great Bend near Phoenix, 1856
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Tinted Lithograph of a View on the Gila Below the Great Bend, near Phoenix, Arizona - 1856 Description: This picturesque lithograph, "View on the Gila Below the Great Bend...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

John Gould Lithograph from 'The Birds of Great Britain'
By John Gould
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
John Gould (British, 1804-1881), 'Bubulcus Russatus', Buff Backed Heron, from 'The Birds of Great Britain', hand colored lithograph, published 1...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Prints

Materials

Paper

John Gould Lithograph from 'The Birds of Europe'
By John Gould
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
John Gould (English, 1804-1881), 'Rufous Backed Egret, Ardea Rufsata', Cattle Erget, 1832-1837, hand colored lithograph from 'The Birds of Europe', fra...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Prints

Materials

Paper

Vintage "View of the Center of Paris Taken from the Air" Lithograph Map
Located in San Diego, CA
A very stylish "View of the Center of Paris Taken from the Air" lithograph map published by the Paris Ministry of Tourism, circa early 1950s. The piece measures 27" x 43" and shows...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Six Chromo-Lithographs of Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Located in Stamford, CT
A set of six Chromo-Lithographs of Australia's Great Barrier Reef by W. Saville - Kent; newly framed with archival materials in colorful Lucite fram...
Category

Antique 1890s Australian Prints

Materials

Lucite, Paper

Antique Framed Chromolithograph "Carter the Great", Otis Lithograph Co. Ca. 1920
By Otis Lithograph Co.
Located in Petaluma, CA
This magic poster is a representation of the golden era of chromolithograph prints. There is a reason why the detail and color are so special, the process...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Other Prints

Materials

Oak, Paper

California Wine Country Original Lithograph "Spring"
By Gail Packer 1
Located in Carmel, CA
"Spring" is a charming California wine country scene of vineyard, house, lambs and basket of fruit and greens by Carol Packer. She is a well ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Prints

Recently Viewed

View All