John Bachmann (after)
R.A. Welcke, New York (lithographer and printer)
Fifth Avenue From 42nd Street, Looking South
Fifth Avenue From 42nd Street, Looking North
Color printed lithographs
Max Williams, New York: 1904
South: 17 x 23.5 inches, sheet,
North: 20 x 24 inches, sheet
Both: 15 x 20 inches, image
$4,800, the pair
Fifth Avenue From 42nd Street
Color Lithographs, New York: 1904
Color Lithographs, New York: 1904
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According to the title, these prints are each "from an old photograph by John Bachmann 1879" and show midtown Manhattan from the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, including buildings that no longer exist.
The view looking south shows a distributing reservoir, part of New York's first public water system. The reservoir was torn down in 1911 for the construction of the main branch of the New York Public Library on the site.
The view to the north shows the spire of the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas rising a few blocks up at 48th Street. It was constructed in 1872, when Fifth Avenue south of Central Park was home to many of New York's most prominent families. The brownstone church was razed in 1952, although the congregation has continued at other sites.
John Bachmann, a German immigrant to the United States, was an artist/lithographer, credited with coining the term bird's-eye view, and was a prolific and prominent creator of such views. His first such panoramas were of Civil War battle areas in 1861.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual light toning, soiling, wear, soft creases. South with various marginal tears, a few extending slightly into image, all professionally restored. Margins variously trimmed on each, still ample and include all titles.
References:
"Commercial Mapping." Civil War Maps. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/cwmhtml/cwmcm.html (6 May 2002).
"MAP #: 361B5." Maryland State Archives. 23 May 1996. http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/speccol/1399/reports/html/361b5.html (6 May 2002).
"Rockefeller Center with Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas." Museum of the City of New York. http://www.mcny.org/abbott/a189.htm (6 May 2002).
"There's no stoppin' the Croton from hoppin.'" Forgotten NY: Street Scenes. 2002. http://www.forgotten-ny.com/STREET%20SCENES/Croton/croton.html (6 May 2002).