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Description

The map is a beautifully colored and striking depiction of the United States. It was created by W.P.A. artist Aaron Bohrod, and it provides a noteworthy look at America's regional history, highlighting the historical events that opened up the country from coast to coast.

The map was one of three lithographic maps of America published by Associated American Artists (AAA) as part of a series. The other maps in the series were titled "America: Its Soil" and "America Its Folklore," and they were created by artists Paul Sample and William Gropper, respectively. Since 1937, AAA had been selling affordable lithographs and etchings by social realist and regionalist artists. These signed limited editions were marketed to middle-class Americans in newspapers and magazines.

In 1942, AAA began selling unsigned prints of pictorial maps, which were larger than the lithographs and etchings that were already available. These maps of American geography, history, and culture were marketed as "stunning addition[s] to any home, office, library or school." Bohrod's map has been praised for its sweeping and popular depiction of American history, which is influenced by the murals he and other artists designed for the Treasury Department's Section of Fine Arts during the 1930s.

The central image of Bohrod's map is a powerful depiction of John Brown's slave raids in Kansas, set against a glowing sun. This image reflects the artist's commitment to social realism and his interest in highlighting the historical events that shaped America. The map's vibrant colors and detailed illustrations make it a striking addition to any collection of American pictorial maps. It is a testament to Bohrod's talent as an artist and his ability to capture the rich history of the United States in a single, beautifully designed map.

Condition Description
Mounted on board. Very minor fading of printed colors.
Reference
Kyle Carsten Wyatt, Cartographers as Critics: Staking Claims in the Mapping of American Literature (p. 104-105). Stephen Hornsby, Picturing America.