Offering of the Day: An Exceptional and Rare View Featuring Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

Edward Sachse (1804-1873)

View of Washington City, 1870

Lithograph with original hand-coloring

Sheet size: 28 1/4 x 21 inches

Framed: 34 1/2 x 27 inches

Lower left: Lith by E Sachse & Co No 5 N Liberty St Balto

Framed to full museum specifications

$14,000

Washington is given a well-planned and manicured appearance in this superb lithograph published in 1870 by German immigrant artist Edward Sachse (1804-1873). Sachse was one of the great lithographers working in Baltimore and was known for his skillfully rendered bird’s eye views. His works are regarded not only as wonderful examples of artistry from the period in which he worked but also as valuable

historical resources detailing views as they actually appeared.

This rare view boldly depicts the West Front of the United States Capitol. It also highlights pedestrian life in the foreground while including the nearly erected Washington Monument in the distant background. The view expands out to the Potomac River where we see several small boats within the water. Additionally one detects the presence of a steam engine railroad car crossing from Virginia into Washington (far left).  The exaggerated set of hills along the Potomac reside where the present day

Arlington cemetary and home of Robert E. Lee are found.