View of Georgetown D C
Chromolithograph
Edward Sachse & Co.
Baltimore
C. 1850-1855
19.5″ x 27.5″
Taken from the hill top site of the old Naval Observatory, this view of the Potomac River and Georgetown is the finest delineation of the bustling Potomac riverfront of the era. It exhibits Sachse’s initial artistic style which would evolve into the popular “bird’s eye” view perspective in his later prints. It is extremely rare with only three other (non facsimile) copies recorded. (Library of Congress, Georgetown University Library, Penn State University) The Sachse firm, based in Baltimore, was among the first and foremost printers to adopt and master the relatively new chromolithographic technique and produce high quality color views of American towns and cities. Sachse focused primarily on views of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington DC.
Edward Sachse (June 11, 1804 – May 20, 1873) was born in Görlitz, Germany, and operated a small printing publishing house before immigrating to the United States in 1848. Sachse established himself in Baltimore, where he worked briefly for E. Weber and Company. E. Sachse and Company opened c.1850
Views and Viewmakers of Urban America, John W. Reps, Page 204 & Page 204, Cat. 671, Color Plate 4.
Condition: Mounted on acid free board, Stabilized tears in margins and upper right corner.
