|
||
|
|
|
|
Dating to roughly the 1850s or '60s, this striking lithograph trade card exemplifies the expertise and finesse of Hunckel & Son, a Transatlantic printing firm with offices in Baltimore and Bremen.
The central focus of the card is the proudly inscribed name "Hunckel & Son". On either side of this central declaration are allegorical representations of the printing industry. To the left is the "Factory Paper" vignette, where a young figure is deeply engrossed in the fine art of lithography. Opposite to it, the "Factory of Labels" depicts another figure, engrossed in the delicate tasks of typography and photography. Together, these depictions accentuate the precision and craftsmanship integral to the printing process.
The scene below, titled "The Blessings of the Graphic Sciences Over All the Nations of the World," offers a panoramic view into the global significance of the graphic arts. Diverse figures, representing different nations and eras, gather around in reverence to the power of print. The distant sailing ships signify the expansive reach and influence of the printing industry, suggesting Hunckel & Son's international clientele or aspirations.
The border, adorned with ornate foliage and patterns, encapsulates the central imagery, enhancing the card's aesthetic appeal. Overall, this lithograph trade card, with its intricate details and rich symbolism, stands as a testament to Hunckel & Son's esteemed position in the mid-19th-century printing landscape, a time when artistry and craftsmanship in printing were held in the highest regard.
![[Olivier van Noort Portrait / World Map]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/79567.jpg)
![[ Confederate States of America Naval Flag! ] Pavillons des Principales Puissances](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/88973.jpg)
