Views of America · 19th century
€ 170
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good, given age. Paper slightly browned. Light foxing. General age-related toning. Later handcoloring. Two small pieces of tape on the reverse. Please study scan carefully.
A color engraving from the 19th century, with the scene described as "Wood depot on the St Lawrence River near the city of Quebec, years 1850."
The artists involved in the creation of this print are W.H. Bartlett and H. Adlard. W.H. Bartlett is the artist who created the original drawing, which H. Adlard then engraved.
William Henry Bartlett (1809–1854) was a British artist known for his detailed steel engravings, often based on his own sketches from extensive travels. His works commonly featured landscapes and city views, which were then engraved by others, such as Henry Adlard, who was also a skilled engraver of the period.
This particular print likely served as an illustration for a book or publication about the region, as Bartlett's works were often included in travel books. It depicts a wood depot, which was an area where timber was stored before being transported, reflecting the importance of the lumber industry in Canada during the 19th century. The St. Lawrence River was a critical trade route, and Quebec City was a major hub for the timber trade.
The presence of ships and boats suggests the movement of timber along the river. The engraving is rich in detail, showing the natural environment and the commercial activities that were characteristic of the era, providing a historical snapshot of the economic life along the St. Lawrence River during the mid-19th century.
