West Point
The Colt Publishing Co.: 2nd Quarter, 19th Century
Hand colored lithograph with printed black borders, as issued
14.25 x 20 inches, image
19.75 x 25 inches, overall
$2,200
West Point Hudson River Lithograph View
Early 19th Century
Early 19th Century
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Three people rest in a meadow overlooking a group of sailboats docked in an inlet at West Point, along the Hudson River in New York State. The sun sets behind the clouds as the time approaches dusk, casting a warm glow. A few pedestrians stroll across a bridge shown lower left.
This is an early lithograph of West Point, on a par with the view issued in the 1820s by Jacques-Gérard Milbert as part of a series of Hudson River scenes, but considerably larger. Picturesque views of the Hudson River became popular subjects for artists at the turn of the 19th century, and West Point was a favored vantage point with its dramatic scenery of the river flanked by mountains on either side.
The natural beauty of West Point also made it a popular tourist destination in the early and mid 19th century, and visitors arrived by train or on boat cruises up the Hudson. As the 19th century writers John Warner Barber and Henry Howe noted: “Standing on the parade ground and looking northward, the pass of the river through the highlands presents a picturesque scene of unsurpassed magnificence and beauty.” (Deák, 326) Artists and publishers including Milbert, George Catlin, Saint-Mémin, John Hill and Currier and Ives produced prints of West Point, often as part of a series of Hudson River views.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual light overall toning, wear, soft creases. Later professionally rebacked with supporting Japanese tissue.
Reference:
Deák, Gloria Gilda. Picturing America. Princeton University Press: 1989. pp. 242, 326 (West Point views generally; this print not recorded in Deák or elsewhere to our knowledge).