This stunning view presents Boston Harbor on a fitful day, with storm clouds casting shadows at right and clear skies at left. Rowboats, sailboats, steamboats, and ships fill the water, while the city shimmers behind them with the State House, Bunker Hill monument, church steeples and smokestacks all rising above the landscape. In the foreground, a barrel floats in the harbor, likely a playful reference to the Boston Tea Party. Engraved by Charles Mottram (1817-1876) after a painting by John William Hill (1812-1879). Published by Smith Brothers & Co in New York (along with other publishers in Boston, London and Paris). While dated 1857, this is likely a restrike as Mottram's plates were used well beyond the original publication date. However, given the quality of impression, this was example was likely printed earlier in the plate's life.

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Condition: B+

A crisp impression with some scattered foxing mostly at left. There is some light creasing and minor ink stains all confined to the blank margins.