Currier and Ives was a printmaking company based in New York City from 1834-1907, specializing in high quality, hand printed and colored stone lithographs. The focus of their work was American life, cities and people, and they often employed celebrated artists of the day to render drawings to be reproduced in print form. This dramatic view depicts the disastrous fire of October 8-10, 1871 that destroyed about 3.3 square miles and claimed the lives of several hundred people. In the foreground numerous vessels are anchored in Lake Michigan, while the skyline is obscured by smoke and flames. Although the fire was one of the largest US disasters of the 19th century, the rebuilding of the city spurred Chicago into one of the most economic important American cities. The imprint at bottom shows Currier and Ives' address at 152 Nassau St. Sheet size is 14-7/8" x 12".

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Condition: B

Lovely original color with a tear that extends 4.5" into image at top left and small chips and tears along the edges that have all been expertly repaired.