Description
Bernhardt T. Wall was an American illustrator and historian. In the early part of his career worked in New York and Buffalo as a lithographic illustrator and was best known for designing over 5,000 comic postcards, for which he earned the nickname “The Postcard King.” He is also well regarded for his later Western Americana works and fine press books, done from a historical prospective. In 1915, he visited Colorado, Nevada and California, making etchings of Native Americans, cowboys and major cities that were later published in the portfolio Under Western Skies. The success of the collection encouraged Wall to shift his emphasis to fine art etchings of the American West. By 1930 he had also become a respected historian of the region. He also was a master craftsman of the fine press book, printing and binding his books, which were collected by prominent collectors, museums and university libraries. He etched portraits of U.S. presidents and historical figures. His papers are in the collection of Cushing Memorial Library at Texas A&M University.
Condition: Generally very good, recently professionally cleaned and deacidified with minor remaining toning, wear, handling. Few marginal tears and chips professionally restored.
Reference:
“Inventory of the Bernhardt Wall Collection: 1922-1994.” Cushing Memorial Library, Texas A&M University. July 2004. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/tamucush/00158/tamu-00158.html (18 September 2017).
