The City of Washington: Bird's-Eye View from the Potomac—Looking North

1892

Currier and Ives

Associated Names
Currier and Ives

Printer, 1857 - 1907

Currier and Ives

Publisher, 1857 - 1907

The image shows a bird's-eye view of Washington, D.C., looking north from the Potomac River. The point of view is elevated, offering a comprehensive overview of the city layout and landmarks. The U.S. Capitol is seen on the right with its dome, while the Washington Monument stands out on the left. The rendering technique resembles a detailed lithograph with precise brushstrokes, capturing the city's architecture. The color palette includes earthy tones for the landscape and warm tones for the urban terrain, with the Potomac depicted in blues and grays. The city grid, roads, buildings, and greenery are intricately detailed, showcasing the vibrant city in a historical context.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(C. J. Sloane & Co., Washington, D.C.); Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1953; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1977

  • Changing Prospects: Views of America on Paper from the Corcoran Collection, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (Tour of Canada), 1977-1979.

1982

  • Washington on the Potomac, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1982.

Bibliography

1970

  • Conningham, Frederic A. Currier and Ives Prints: An Illustrated Check List. New York: Crown Publishers, 1970, p. 57, no. 1123.

1984

  • Reilly, Bernard F., Jr. Currier & Ives, A Catalogue Raisonné: A Comprehensive Catalogue of the Lithographs of Nathaniel Currier, James Merrit Ives and Charles Currier, including Ephemera Associated with the Firm, 1834-1907, volume 1. Detroit, MI: Gale Research Company, 1984, p. 130, no. 1238.

Inscriptions

text at bottom on stone:
New York, Published by Currier & Ives, 115 Nassau St. / Copyright 1892. By Currier & Ives, N.Y / National Observatory / (North West Div.) / Farragut Sq. / Rawlins' Square / Scott Place. / Louise Home / Arlington House / Corcoran Art Gallery / War, Navy & State Bldg. / (South West Div.) / McPherson Space / Department of Justice / Lafayette Sq. / Foundry M. E. Ch. / Executive Mansion (White House.) / U.S. Treasury / The President's Grounds / Columbian University / 14 St. Circle / Ebbitt House / Riggs House / Willards Hotel / Potomac River / Howard University / Liberty Sq. / K St. Market / U.S. Patent Office / Pension Bureau / Census Bureau / Washington Monument / Massachusetts Av. / U.S. Post Office / The Mall / Bureau of Engraving & Printing / City Hall Park. / Metropolitan Hotel. / Washington Market / Agricultural Dpt. / Government Printing Office / City Hall / National Hotel / Smithsonian Institute / Pennsylvania Av. / B.&.P.R.R. Depot / National Museum / Long Bridge / B.&.O.R.R. Depot / Botanical Garden / Jefferson School / The Capitol / Stanton Sq. / (South East Div.) / (North East Div.) / Lincoln Sq. / Seward Sq. / U.S. Arsenal / U.S. Marine Barracks / Kendall Green / Navy Yard / East Branch of the Potomac / The City of Washington. / Birds-Eye View from the Potomac—Looking North

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