Lot 725
[Doolittle, Amos] "A DISPLAY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". A historic and rare engraving, c. 1788-91, "To the Patrons of Arts and Sciences in all parts of the World … Most respectfully Dedicated, by their most obedient humble Servant.- Amos Doolittle," Hart #840. This is one of the most prized and historic of all Colonial era American prints, engraved by Amos Doolittle, the printing plate being produced by Doolittle in New Haven (CT). The image itself measures 20¼ x 16½ in., the fully framed size being 33 x 28 in. Professionally framed in an ornately carved decorative wooden gilt frame.
The engraving has a circular layout and a highly ornate overall design which shows the thirteen original colonies official state seals, state populations, and the number of their Senators and Representatives. At top is a Seal with an American Heraldic Eagle and the totaling of the thirteen new American States with the overall total population of the United States. A large central profile portrait of George Washington, in his military uniform, is surrounded by the historic inscription: "President of the United States of America. The Protector of his Country, and the Supporter of the rights of Mankind." The heavy paper for this print is light tan with even wear and scattered overall restoration, primarily to the corners and bottom edge, with one small line of print at lower edge being mostly obscured. The print shows the wear of two centuries but remains whole in appearance, is expertly framed and looks quite impressive.
Other than his contemporary patriot counterpart in Boston, Paul Revere, Amos Doolittle (1754-1832) is renowned as the most accomplished American engraver of important historic prints of the Revolutionary War and Colonial period. The exceedingly rare print offered here can be found reproduced in most quality reference and history books on the era, along with Doolittle's other engravings of the Battles of Lexington & Concord, and with Paul Revere's "Boston Massacre" print of 1770. A terrific homage to the founding colonies, the Constitutional Convention and the fledgling United States, this portrait of George Washington, surrounded with the seals of the original thirteen colonies, and the seal of the United States, is considered one of the most important portraits of Washington ever printed. In the first state, Doolittle copied James Trenchard's portrait from the Columbian Magazine of 1787. This portrait being a profile of Washington in uniform, with an inaugural "Heraldic Eagle" style button intact. The fifth and sixth states of this plate with Washington's profile here was changed to resemble that created by Joseph Wright in 1791. One of the most famous, important and historic of all early American prints.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000.
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