Wall Street in 1829
Wall Street in 1856
Sidney Z. Lucas, New York: Mid 20th Century
Color-printed aquatints
20.5 x 15 inches, image
22.5 x 18 inches, plate mark
26 x 20 inches, overall
$1,500 the pair
Wall Street in 1829 and Wall Street in 1856
Pair of New York City Historical Aquatint Views
Pair of New York City Historical Aquatint Views
 Wall Street in 1829 |
 Wall Street in 1856 |
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Details of Wall Street in 1829 |
Details of Wall Street in 1856 |
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A pair of historical views printed in the 20th century, showing 19th century Wall Street in the heart of New York City’s financial district. The 1856 view shows Wall Street with the landmark Trinity Church. The 1829 view shows Wall and Nassau Streets with the old Customs House that replaced the original Federal Hall. Nassau Street dates back to 1696 when it was known as "Pye-Woman's Lane." It was later named after Maurice, Prince of Orange and Nassau.
Sidney Zoltan Lucas (also occasionally spelled Sydney) was a prolific New York City publisher over an approximately 40-year career in the mid 20th century. He opened the Old Print Center in 1928, where he published a variety of prints, principally New York City views, but also sporting and other prints as well. His views took a historical perspective, showing New York landscapes and harbors in the 19th century, often based on extant classic works. Lucas’ views were etched in aquatint based on the originals, though he also produced less expensive photo-process prints. His works generally bear his copyright insignia initials in a circle. Among the many known aquatint views published by Lucas are Wall Street in 1829; Wall Street in 1856; New York in 1822 from heights near Brooklyn; South St. from Maiden Lane 1828; and New York in 1831 – Broadway St. Paul’s Church. During the 1930s and 1940s the gallery also operated a venture publishing etchings and photo-process prints under the imprint Paris Etching Society. The aquatints were after contemporary artists; the photo-process reproductions after earlier masters such as Prévost. Lucas's wife, Phyllis also operated a print gallery under own name, and as of 2011 their children Michael and Lucille Lucas are still in the art business.
Based on an extant Lucas view in original frame, he maintained a business relationship with Frost & Reed, Ltd. a major London painting dealer, printmaker, and printseller (see below). This Lucas view was stamped on the verso “made in England” and was imported by J. Assenheim & Son, New York City, “importers of paintings, etchings, sportings and fine china.” It may be posited that Frost & Reed printed views for Lucas and exported them to New York for sale. Such historical views were popular and published by other contemporaries of Lucas.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual light overall toning and scattered wear to edges and margins. Faint mat burn from former mat not obtrusive and can be rematted out. One print with small chip in outer margin easily matted out.
References:
"About the Gallery." Phyllis Lucas Gallery -- Old Print Center. 2009. http://phyllislucasgallery.com/aboutgallery.html (15 March 2011).
Lane, Christopher W. "Sidney Z. Lucas." Antiques Print Blog. 18 August 2009. http://antiqueprintsblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/sidney-z-lucas.html (15 March 2011).
"Paris Etching Society and Sydney Z. Lucas Publications." Lucille Lucas Gallery. http://www.lucillelucasgallery.com/ (15 March 2011).
A label from an extant Lucas view (but not these) shows he maintained a business relationship with Frost & Reed in London.