C. Mottram engraver published by Smith
Brothers & Co. New York & by Sowle & Wards 11 Summer
St. Boston
Boston Harbor
Hand colored engraving 28 1/2 by 41
1/2 inches
with Frame below
$8500
A very large and finely detailed panoramic view of Boston.
The Smith brothers, Francis, George W., David C., and Benjamin
F., grew up in Maine working on their father's farm. By 1846,
Francis and George became involved as agents and salesmen for
Edwin Whitefield, who had recently started his series of American
views. Shortly thereafter, Benjamin also joined Whitefield, possibly
helping him with the drawing on some of his prints. In 1849 the
Smiths established their own print publishing firm and proceeded
to produce some of the most impressive American city views of
the nineteenth century, including this lovely image of Boston.
This print was drawn by J.W. Hill, with C. Mottram engraving it
onto steel. It is interesting to note that though the Smith brothers'
views were generally lithographs, this was done as an engraving,
and was printed in London. The perspective is convincingly rendered
and the detail is excellent. As John Reps says, "the Smith
brothers' views achieved a standard that equaled or surpassed
the best work of its kind." [Reps, Views and Viewmakers of
Urban America p.207]
