This magnificent aquatint and line engraving depicts a bustling East River with New York City in the background. The view is depicted from Brooklyn Heights and is one of the largest engraved views of Manhattan ever produced. The view was based on a watercolor by John William Hill and engraved by Charles Mottram. John William Hill, and his father John Hill, were known as two of the best artists in New York in the early 19th century. John William was born in England and moved to the United States as a young boy. He first apprenticed with his father, but then shifted his focus to outdoor landscapes and became heavily influenced by English artist John Ruskin, who taught him to strive for naturalism in his landscape drawings. John Wiliam Hill worked closely with the Smith brothers from 1850-55, who published many of his works. Published by F. and G. W. Smith, 59 Beekman Street, New York.

References: Reps, pp. 183-84.

Condition: A

An excellent impression with attractive color and a few minute abrasions in the image. There are professional repairs to a few small edge tears, only one of which enters image less than 1" at left.