RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

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RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY


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RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY: In the mid 19th century, American artists used charcoal and/or pastels to create images on paper that they coated with marble dust, which is commonly referred to as "sandpaper" in the art world and antiques trade. The medium is typically monochromatic, marked by deep blacks and glittering whites. The predominant themes were landscapes, often with ponds, lakes, or rivers, as well as the depictions of large estates and memorials. Views of towns or within cities are unusual, however, which is part of what makes this particular example so special. Also wonderful is that it is a view of New York's Union Square, with lots of interesting elements. These include a multitude of not only buildings, but people, which are notably scarce in most sandpaper drawings, accompanied by horses and a carriage in the left foreground. The view is taken from an 1849 engraving by Samuel Hollyer. With many of the qualities that make American folk art desired by collectors, the amateur artist responsible for the work has taken the liberty to add various things, such as the man on horseback, not to mention about eighty percent of the park, itself, only a fraction of which can be seen in Hollyer's original. The whole back row of buildings was thus added, including the two churches among them, as well as the fountain and several persons. At the same time, some persons were eliminated. But when the two images are compared, it is obvious that the sandpaper was taken from Hollyer's engraving. It seems quite likely that the artist completed the work in person, or from a sketch he or she made upon a previous visit to Union Square. Executed ca 1849-1860. Mounting: The work has been placed in a silver gilt frame that dates to the same era as the work. Condition: Excellent, with only very minor foxing and staining.



Primary Color:	black, grey, gray, white

Earliest Date:	1849

Latest Date:	1860

For Sale Status:	Sold

Price	SOLD

E-mail:	info@jeffbridgman.com

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RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY

RARE IMAGE OF NEW YORK CITY'S UNION SQUARE IN CHARCOAL ON SANDPAPER, MID-19th CENTURY