Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
This item has been sold, but you can enter your email address to be notified if another example becomes available.
Description

Two Early Views of West Point By One of America's Most Important Artist Adventurers

Fine pair of acquating views, engraved from original drawings of the famed Native American portrait artist George Catlin and engraved by John Hill.

The view was inspired in no small part by Catlin's brother, Julius Catlin, who died prematurely while working with George.  Julius was a cadet from 1820 to 1824, and served for 2 years on the western frontier, last serving at Cantonment Gibson in Arkansas Territory in 1826. Julius drowned near Rochester, New York on September 21, 1828, shortly after delivering a portrait of DeWitt Clinton painted by his brother George to the Franklin Institute.

The views show two different views centered on the West Point Parade Grounds, one looking north up the Hudson River and one looking south across the parade grounds, with spectators, an American at center and the Eleazar D. Woods monument on the right.

"The artist George Catlin is best known for his American Indian portraits. Two years before he headed west to begin his life's great work, he painted and published these two matching views of West Point: one looking north across the parade ground up the Hudson River, and the other looking south. In both, the cadets can be seen drilling, with civilian spectators watching raptly. The Eleazar D. Wood monument can be seen in the foreground of the south view, and in the distant background of the north view; it was often used as a navigational landmark for ships coming down the Hudson.

The southern view is the first state published by Catlin under his 15 May 1828 copyright; the north view is the second state issued after the plate was "transferred to G. & C. & H. Carvill" (they were active circa 1830-31)."

Condition Description
A few minor repairs,
Reference
Stauffer 1354.