EXCEPTIONAL 4-1/2-FOOT-LONG FOLDING PANORAMA OF NEW YORK CIRCA 1798, PUBLISHED IN THE 1861 VALENTINE'S MANUAL
(NEW YORK). Folding panorama ["A View of the City of New-York from Brooklyn Heights, foot of Pierrepont St., in 1798"]. New York: M. Dripps for Valentine's Manual, 1861. Panorama, linen-backed, measuring 55 by 6-3/4 inches unfolded. $950.
Exquisite 4-1/2-foot-long panorama depicting New york as seen from Brooklyn Heights in 1798 engraved by C.B. Julien de St. Memin.
"One of the most detailed views of New York from the late 18th century, probably showing the skyline from the water in 1796. The work is created from three prints joined together" (The Met). Notable sites (labeled on the panorama) include the Battery, Trinity Church, Murray's Wharf, St. Paul's Church, New York Hospital, as well as many other historically important New York locations. The original drawing that was the basis for this engraving was owned by J.C. Brevoort, Esq. This particular engraved panorama was intended for Valentine's Manual, an almanac and factbook concentrating on New York City. Valentine, the manual's compiler, often took care to insert important New York-related material in the text.
A beautiful panorama.