Chicago in 1833 at the junction of the north and south branches of the Chicago River.
Chicago: A. Ackermann & Son Inc., 1928. Aquatint print. Folio (15½" X 12"). Good plus. Trimmed, though outside the plate mark, which is strong; moderately age toned and lightly soiled, with a touch of spotting and minor scuffing. Item #46426
Though trimmed and somewhat darkened, this remains a fairly attractive example of this heavy stock print "Engraved in aquatint for Mr Ernest Byfield," signed "R. Varin" in bold pencil at lower right. Charming scene depicting this river flowing parallel the foreground, one branch bisecting the scene as it recedes into the horizon. Log structures grace each side, several pairs of men mill about, a woman plays with a boy, two chaps fish at the river's edge while three figures row a boat in the distance. Faintest of green tinting to the background trees. This French artist and engraver produced quite a few well-regarded Chicago city scenes, while this example shows the Windy City in its earliest days.
Price: $150.00