19th Century Colored Engraving - The Salt Mine of Northwich, Cheshire
€ 220
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Sheet size
23.5 × 19.5 cm (9.3 × 7.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13997-4
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Condition report: Light toning throughout, edges slightly worn, colors remain vivid with some minor foxing in margins. No major tears or losses.
About this sheet
This 19th-century colored engraving, created by the German School, depicts the interior of the salt mine at Northwich, Cheshire, England. The image portrays a dark, cavernous space supported by massive salt pillars, creating an almost cathedral-like atmosphere. In the foreground, three miners are seen operating a large wooden barrel attached to a pulley system, used to lower or lift materials and workers in and out of the mine. A suspended light source casts an eerie glow across the pillars, emphasizing the monumental scale of the underground space.
The salt mines of Northwich were among the most important in England, providing a valuable natural resource that was vital to the economy. Salt mining was a demanding and dangerous occupation, and the engraving gives a sense of the harsh and foreboding environment faced by miners deep below the earth’s surface. The hand coloring adds depth to the image, highlighting the details of the figures, the shadows cast by the towering pillars, and the dimly lit environment.
The artwork offers a rare glimpse into the industrial past of Cheshire, capturing the essence of early mining operations and providing insight into the challenging conditions faced by workers in the 19th century. This engraving serves as both an artistic representation and a historical document of one of the region's most significant industries.
Condition report: Light toning throughout, edges slightly worn, colors remain vivid with some minor foxing in margins. No major tears or losses.
