This 1880 chromolithograph, based on a painting by A.J. Swing, offers a panoramic view of Cincinnati in the year 1800, vividly capturing the essence of an emerging American frontier city. The print, notable for its historical accuracy and artistic merit, portrays the city's notable buildings and landmarks, including Fort Washington and the Presbyterian Church, set against the backdrop of the Ohio River and the surrounding bluffs.
The turn of the 19th century marked a pivotal period in Cincinnati's history, as it transformed from a modest settlement into a burgeoning frontier metropolis. This period was characterized by rapid urban development and an influx of diverse settlers, contributing to the city's growth as a key trading and manufacturing hub in the early United States. The depiction of the homes of figures such as Col. Israel Ludlow and Maj. Wm. Ruffin, alongside civic landmarks like the Greentree Hotel and Artificer's Yard, provides an illustrative snapshot of the city's social and economic fabric at the time.
The artwork of A.J. Swing and the chromolithographic production by The Strobridge Lithographing Company of Cincinnati are emblematic of the era's advancements in printing technology and artistic representation. The use of chromolithography, a method for making multi-color prints, represents a significant technological and artistic achievement of the late 19th century, offering a vibrant and detailed portrayal of the cityscape.
Rarity
Reps records examples at Cincinnati Historical Society, Cincinnati Public Library, and New-York Historical Society.