Views of America · 19th century
€ 270
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition with age-related toning and light spotting, mainly in the margins. Small binding holes visible in the lower border. Image remains clean with strong detail. Plate mark visible.
Antique California Landscape Print, Mt Shasta & Sacramento River View 1861
A striking mid-19th century American landscape engraving titled Portion of the Main Mountain Passage of the Upper Sacramento or Pitt River, presenting a dramatic and expansive view of Northern California’s rugged terrain. The composition captures the winding course of the Upper Sacramento or Pitt River as it cuts through steep valleys and rocky outcrops, with the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Shasta rising in the distance.
The scene is both topographically precise and artistically refined, characteristic of the important visual records produced during the exploration of the American West. A solitary tree in the foreground anchors the composition, while layered mountain ridges recede into atmospheric perspective, creating a powerful sense of depth and scale. The engraving reflects the dual purpose of these works: scientific documentation and the romantic portrayal of a vast, largely uncharted landscape.
This view was drawn by F.W. Egloffstein, one of the most accomplished topographical artists of the Pacific Railroad Surveys, and engraved by C. Schumann. It was issued by the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. around 1860–1861 as part of the Reports of Explorations and Surveys, a monumental project undertaken to determine feasible routes for a transcontinental railroad. These publications are among the earliest and most significant visual documents of the Western United States prior to widespread settlement and industrial development.
The presence of Mount Shasta, one of California’s most iconic natural landmarks, adds both geographical importance and visual drama to the composition. Today, prints from this series are highly sought after for their historical significance, refined engraving technique, and decorative appeal. They represent a key moment in American history, when exploration, science, and expansion converged.
This example is an original antique engraving. It is not a modern reproduction. Any images showing the print framed are for visual inspiration only. The print is supplied unframed.
Condition report:
Good condition with age-related toning and light spotting, mainly in the margins. Small binding holes visible in the lower border. Image remains clean with strong detail. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips:
This print benefits from a wide museum-style mount in warm ivory or soft cream tones, paired with a dark walnut or ebonized frame to emphasize the depth of the engraving. For a lighter, contemporary presentation, a natural wood frame with a generous mat enhances the atmospheric quality and allows the composition to breathe.
Technique: Steel engraving
Maker: C. Schumann after F.W. Egloffstein, Washington D.C., c.1861
Keywords tailored to this Upper Sacramento / Mt. Shasta region:
Mount Shasta, Mt Shasta California, Shasta Volcano, Cascade Range California, Upper Sacramento River, Sacramento River Headwaters, Pit River, Pitt River Valley, Shasta Valley, Shasta County, Siskiyou County, Lassen County, Trinity County, Klamath Mountains, Trinity Alps, Mount Eddy, Black Butte California, Castle Crags, Castle Crags State Park, Dunsmuir California, Mount Shasta City, Weed California, Yreka California, Redding California, Red Bluff California, Anderson California, Shasta Lake, Whiskeytown Lake, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, McCloud River, McCloud California, Burney California, Burney Falls, Fall River Valley, Fall River Mills, Hat Creek Valley, Hat Creek California, Lassen Peak, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Medicine Lake Highlands, Lava Beds National Monument, Tulelake California, Alturas California, Modoc County, Goose Valley California, Big Valley California, Adin California, Bieber California, Susanville California, Honey Lake Valley, Eagle Lake California, Clear Creek California, Battle Creek California, Round Mountain California, Montgomery Creek California, Trinity River, Klamath River, Rogue River Basin, Siskiyou Mountains, Scott Valley, Etna California, Fort Jones California, Happy Camp California, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Lassen National Forest, Modoc National Forest, Northern California Wilderness, California Gold Rush Region
