Catalog Archive
Auction 196, Lot 264

"The Centennial - Balloon View of the Grounds", Harper Bros.

Subject: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Period: 1876 (dated)

Publication: Harper's Weekly

Color: Black & White

Size:
30.6 x 19.9 inches
77.7 x 50.5 cm
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This large bird's-eye view of the Centennial grounds was based on "Photographs by R. Newell & Sons, and Sketches by Theo. R. Davis" with Philadelphia in the background. It features remarkable detail throughout with virtually every display identifiable and named. A few of the sites include a large Pennsylvania RR Passenger Depot, Bartholdi's Fountain, Vienna Bakery, Memorial Hall, Horticultural Hall, Women's Pavilion, Brazilian Cafe, Turkish Cafe, and numerous government displays and buildings. Most all state buildings and those of several foreign countries are evident, as are more pedestrian installations such as the buildings for the printing presses, boiler house, and machine shops. A remarkable wood engraving produced contemporaneously to the event.

References:

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a clean sheet, issued folding. There is a binder's trim at top left and a related 1.5" binding tear that has been seamlessly closed on verso with archival tape.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $180

Closed on 2/7/2024

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