About this sheet
Published in *The Graphic*, December 2, 1876.
This hand-colored engraving was published in The Graphic on December 2, 1876, as part of the series *Our Artist in the United States*. It features two distinct views of Pittsburgh (spelled “Pittsburg” in the caption, as was common in the 19th century), showcasing the city’s industrial power and vibrant street life during the late 19th century.
1. Top Image: Titled "Ohio and Monongahela Steamboats, Pittsburg," this vignette depicts a bustling industrial scene on the riverbanks of Pittsburgh. Numerous steamboats, with their towering smokestacks belching black smoke, are docked along the waterfront. Workers are seen unloading goods and preparing the vessels for travel along the Ohio and Monongahela Rivers, vital arteries for the transportation of coal, steel, and other raw materials. The image captures the essence of Pittsburgh's industrial might during the post-Civil War era, a time when it was emerging as a hub for steel production and river trade.
2. Bottom Image:
The second vignette, titled "A Fruit Market at Pittsburg," offers a contrast to the industrial scene above by focusing on daily life in the city. A bustling street market fills the frame, with vendors selling fruit and other goods from makeshift stalls. Shoppers, including men, women, and children, wander through the marketplace, bartering and purchasing products. The surrounding buildings feature signs for businesses, such as "Mr. M. Richard Boots & Shoes" and "Old Seeton House." This lively depiction of the market offers a glimpse into the social and commercial life of Pittsburgh residents during the late 19th century.
About the Publication and Technique:
*The Graphic* was a British illustrated weekly newspaper founded in 1869 that became renowned for its detailed wood engravings depicting global events, technological innovations, and everyday life. This engraving is part of a series by British artists traveling through the United States, capturing important cities and scenes. Pittsburgh’s role as an industrial powerhouse and growing urban center is highlighted in this print, reflecting its significance during the Industrial Revolution.
The engraving was produced using woodblock techniques, where artisans would carve the image into blocks of wood. The resulting print was then hand-colored, bringing vibrancy and life to the detailed scenes of Pittsburgh.
Keywords: Pittsburgh 1876 engraving, Ohio and Monongahela steamboats, 19th-century industrial Pittsburgh, *The Graphic* Pittsburgh 1876, fruit market Pittsburgh engraving, hand-colored wood engraving, Pittsburgh street market 19th century, river trade Pittsburgh, Industrial Revolution Pittsburgh, American city scenes 19th century.
