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Description

This lithographed bird's-eye view, dated 1868, offers a panoramic view of Melrose and its surroundings, as seen from the Ursuline Convent in Westchester County, New York. The scene is rich with detail, capturing the architecture and landscape of the time, including churches, factories, schools, and residential buildings. The foreground features lush greenery with individuals strolling, providing a sense of tranquility and community life.

Melrose was originally a village in the town of Morrisania, within Westchester County, before being incorporated into New York City in 1874 as part of the Twenty-Third Ward. This transition marked its shift from a rural area to an integral part of the growing metropolis, reflecting the broader urbanization trends of the period. The incorporation into New York City facilitated further development and modernization, transforming Melrose into a significant residential and commercial neighborhood in the Bronx.

Rarity

Reps (2603) does not record any locations for this view but notes it was lot 390 in the Goldsmith Sale, the note for which reads "No Other Perfect Copy Known."

Condition Description
Two-stone lithograph with original hand-color on 19th-century wove paper. Some toning and dampstaining, as illustrated.
Reference
Reps, Views and Viewmakers, 2603. Henry Goldsmith, The Notable Henry Goldsmith Collection: Historical Maps, Views, Original Drawings, China Relating to New York City. Catalog Description by Robert Fridenberg. New York: American Art Association, 1926.