Antique Birch Views of Philadelphia Framed Etching

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Historic etching from Birch's Views of Philadelphia entitled "First Street, with the First Presbyterian Church." Inscription below the image reads … Read more Historic etching from Birch's Views of Philadelphia entitled "First Street, with the First Presbyterian Church." Inscription below the image reads as follows:

HIGH STREET, with the First Presbyterian CHURCH.
Taken down in 1820.
PHILADELPHIA.
Designed and Published by W. Birch Enamel Painter 1800.

It depicts a brightly illuminated First Presbyterian Church on the right and market stalls and a cart on the left, in the shadow. The First Presbyterian Church, also known as the Butttonwood Church, was erected in 1704 at the corner of High Street (known as Market Street today) and Bank Street in Philadelphia. This subject is plate number 9 of "The City of Philadelphia As it Appeared in the Year 1800," a series of twenty-seven engravings by William Russell Birch first published in 1800. The First Presbyterian Church was rebuilt in 1793-94 by architect and painter John Trumbull. By 1820 its Corinthian columns had to be replaced at considerable expense. The congregation decided to move to a new location instead and the building was demolished in 1822.

This particular etching is numbered 5 on the upper right above the image, which is consistent with an 1860 John McAllister, Jr. version. Another example of a McAllister First Presbyterian Church etching is part of the collection of The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

William Russell Birch (1755–1844) was an English born artist who emigrated to America in 1795 and settled in Philadelphia. He was best known for his miniature portraits, enamels and the Views of Philadelphia series. John McAllister, Jr. (1786 - 1877) was born in Philadelphia the son of John McAllister, Sr. a Scottish born successful whip and cane retailer. McAllister Jr was a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and one of Philadelphia's most noteworthy antiquarians.

It comes beautifully matted and framed and ready to display. Image in very good condition with light toning, fold marks and creases. Unexamined outside of frame, photos taken through glass which explain reflections. .

Measurements: Frame: 19 1/2" by 18 5/8" by 7/8"; Mat Opening: 12" by 10 1/2" approximately. See less