Our Goal is to be 20% Less than Auction Prices. Here are Two Examples

Thought our readers would like to know about two magnificent 19^th century views of Virginia landmarks that are available in my inventory: one of the city of Richmond and the other the University of Virginia.  

William James Bennett 

City of Richmond, Virginia from the Hill Above the Waterworks

Published by Lewis P. Clover, 1834

After a painting by G. Cooke

Handcolored aquatint

Sheet size: 28 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches

Framed size: 40 x 33 inches  

Edward Sachse (1804-1873)

View of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville & Monticello Taken from Lewis Mountain, c.1856

Chromolithograph, 22 ½ x 29 ½ (sheet size)

The view of the city of Richmond is an impressive hand colored aquatint by William James Bennett after a painting by G. Cooke published by Lewis Clover in 1834. Here is what Alexander Wilbourne Weddell writes about the view of Richmond in his definitive reference book titled Richmond Virginia in Old Prints 1737-1887 published in 1932:

“Cooke’s lovely aquatint is perhaps of all the views of Richmond the best known and the most popular. The artist’s pleasing creation has been imitated with varying success by many of his craft but in none is found the qualities of happy composition and lightness of treatment that mark the original. In this afternoon view we find a serenity and charm which make a very positive appeal…Reading from the left, the prominent buildings in this view are the Penitentiary, the old City Hall (with the dome), the Capitol, and the Executive Mansion, while down the hill and recognizable by its high belfry, is the old Bell Tower. The long building at the point where the canal turns to the left and disappears from view is the Armory…George Cooke, the painter of this aquatint, was born in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, March 11, 1793 and died after 1834. He is favorably spoken of by Dunlap. The latter states that Cooke had as a guide in painting Charles Bird King.” (pp. 79-80).

This fine aquatint would make a marvelous addition to any collection.  An example came up at the New Hampshire Weekend Auction February 23-25, 2007, lot 445, and made $60,320 in disappointing condition. Our retail price is $60,000 but your special price would be $48,000. Our example is in excellent condition.  

Also thought you might like to see an exceptional and rare hand colored lithograph ‘View of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville & Monticello Taken from Lewis Mountain’ by Edward Sachse (1804-1873) c. 1856. This is the most beautiful American college view ever published. An example is currently up at auction at the Restoration Auction project to benefit the restoration of the rotunda at the University of Virginia. Bidding is up to $82,000 and the auction will end on February 14^th. Our asking price is $75,000;  however, your special price is $60,000.

Should you wish to see either of these in person, please let me know. It would be my pleasure to come to your home or office for you to examine. You may reach me anytime at grahamarader@gmail.com or 212-628-3668.

Warmest regards,

Graham Arader