Antique 1840 W.H. Bartlett Engraving/Etching Print - 'Scene on the River St Lawrence'

William Henry Bartlett is one of the most well-known and revered artists of the 19th century. His etchings and engravings have made their way into countless publications and are largely considered some of the most influential historical drawings of the 19th century.
Born in 1809, Bartlett quickly found his love for drawing. He was apprenticed to John Britton, an architect and antiquarian, and became one of the foremost illustrators of topography of his generation. His love of drawing coupled with his master's love of history made him a perfect candidate to illustrate the history of the world, prior to photographic technology. He took several trips to Canada and the Americas to illustrate the landscape, buildings and people. In 1835, Bartlett first visited the United States to draw the buildings, towns and scenery of the northeastern states. The finely detailed steel engravings Bartlett produced were published, uncolored, with a text by Nathaniel Parker Willis as: "American Scenery; or Land, Lake, and River: Illustrations of Transatlantic Nature." "American Scenery" was published by George Virtue in London and solidified Bartlett's reputation as one of the most skilled artists of the time. Bartletts primary concern was to render "lively impressions of actual sights", as he wrote in the preface to The Nile Boat (London, 1849). Many views contain some ruin or element of the past including many scenes of churches, abbeys, cathedrals and castles, and Nathaniel Parker Willis described Bartlett's talent thus: "Bartlett could select his point of view so as to bring prominently into his sketch the castle or the cathedral, which history or antiquity had allowed".
Bartlett took at least 3 trips to the North American continent. His most extensive journey saw him begin in Quebec (there are no verified accounts of his travels through the Canadian Maritimes), travel westward to Niagara Falls and then take the Erie Canal to Owego, NY, before departing back to England. Although he took several trips, we can only confirm that which has been found in personal letters and correspondence. However, his multiple trips produced some of the most stunning natural engravings ever to have been published.

SCENE ON THE RIVER ST. LAURENCE. (NEAR MONTREAL).
London : George Virtue, 1840. A pleasant antique print – small craft on the river, Montreal in the distance. Engraved by Robert Wallis (1794-1878) from an original study by the well-known William Henry Bartlett. Originally produced for the part-work series “Canadian Scenery” (London : 1840-1842). It is between Pages 46 and 47 of the book: Canadian Scenery Volume 2.
https://archive.org/details/McGillLibrary-123891-2173/page/n120/mode/thumb
Most of Bartlett's prints were made to be coloured. They would have been hand-painted with watercolour to complement the immense detail he managed to capture prior to being inserted into a publication. However, this particular print was not. It wasn't even prepared for colour, as is seen with one of the other prints we're happy to offer. Instead, this would have been an extra print, kept in reserve until some bright individual decided to sell some of William's prints. It is in excellent condition with no blemishes to speak of. The title print has faded slightly, but is still very legible. The frame is in very good shape, as well.

It is a beautiful piece and would make a wonderful addition to any print collection.

As always, should you have any questions or comments, I'm very happy to return messages almost instantly.

Thanks for visiting C&K!