Religion · 19th century
€ 239
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition for its age with light age toning and occasional minor spotting mainly in the margins. Plate mark visible. Paper remains stable and well preserved.
Mount Vernon Washington’s House – Antique Steel Engraving Virginia 1854
This refined mid-19th century steel engraving depicts Mount Vernon, the historic estate and residence of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The print was published in the celebrated illustrated geographical series Meyers Universum by the Bibliographisches Institut in Germany during the mid-1800s. These engravings were produced to introduce European readers to notable landscapes, historic landmarks, and significant cultural sites across the rapidly developing United States.
The composition presents an elegant view of Washington’s mansion overlooking the Potomac River. The house stands prominently on a gentle hill, its distinctive long veranda supported by classical columns extending along the river-facing façade. This architectural feature became one of the most recognizable elements of the Mount Vernon estate and reflects the influence of 18th-century neoclassical design.
Mount Vernon was originally established as a plantation in the early 18th century and came into George Washington’s possession in 1754. Washington expanded and improved the estate throughout his life, transforming it into a large working plantation as well as a refined country residence. From this estate he managed his agricultural operations and later retired following his presidency.
The engraving captures the estate within a peaceful pastoral landscape. Trees frame the foreground while visitors stroll across the grounds, emphasizing the estate’s reputation even during the 19th century as a place of national importance. In the distance the broad Potomac River can be seen flowing past the property, highlighting the strategic and scenic location chosen by Washington.
By the mid-1800s Mount Vernon had already become a site of great historical interest. In 1858 the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association purchased the property to preserve it as a national historic monument. This effort marked one of the earliest historic preservation movements in the United States, ensuring that the home of George Washington would remain intact for future generations.
The engraving demonstrates the precise line work characteristic of steel engraving, a technique that allowed artists to produce fine detail and delicate tonal variation. Such prints were admired both as informative illustrations and as decorative landscape views.
Today this engraving remains a desirable historical image, combining the picturesque beauty of the Virginia landscape with the enduring legacy of George Washington and one of America’s most famous historic homes.
Condition report:
Good condition for its age with light age toning and occasional minor spotting mainly in the margins. Plate mark visible. Paper remains stable and well preserved.
Framing tips:
This engraving frames beautifully in a dark walnut, black, or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or museum-white mat. The classic composition and architectural subject make it particularly suitable for traditional interiors and historical collections.
Technique: Steel engraving
Maker: Bibliographisches Institut (Meyers Universum), Germany, circa 1840–1855
Keyword block (nearby towns and cities):
Mount Vernon Virginia, Potomac River, Alexandria Virginia, Arlington Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Washington DC, Georgetown Washington DC, Fort Washington Maryland, National Harbor Maryland, Prince George’s County Maryland, Springfield Virginia, Woodbridge Virginia, Occoquan Virginia, Chesapeake Bay region, Northern Virginia historic towns.
SEO keyword block:
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