Lot 467
1808 View, "The Capitol At Washington". A beautifully engraved print of the Capitol in Washington, 1808, published by William Birch (famous for the Birch series of engravings of Federal Period Philadelphia). this curious engraving on onion paper is entitled "The Country Seats of the United States of North America, with some scenes connected with them." This print, entitled "The Capitol at Washington," shows only the infant stages of its construction, with the two wings of the Capitol present and a workman below apparently sorting bricks. To the left of him is a gentleman seated at a drawing board, evidently representing the architect. Above the gaping void center of the building, floats a powerful American Eagle in flight with his talons holding the Republic's shield with thirteen stars. Print size, including margin, is 7¼ x 10 in. A wonderful and exceedingly rare print and, most likely, the earliest print view of our Nation's Capitol. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
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| Realized $978 |
