After Hippolyte Victor Sebron, Winter Scene on Broadway, New York, Hand-Colored Aquatint, 1857

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Title: Stunning Winter Scene on Broadway, New York - Hand-Colored Aquatint from 1857 : This aquatint engraving with hand-coloring, created … Read more Title: Stunning Winter Scene on Broadway, New York - Hand-Colored Aquatint from 1857 : This aquatint engraving with hand-coloring, created by Paul Girardet after Hippolyte Victor Sebron, captures the vibrant energy of Broadway in New York during the winter of 1857. Published by M. Knoedler in New York and Goupil & Cie in Paris, London, and Berlin, this artwork offers a rare and evocative glimpse into 19th-century urban life. The snow-covered streets come alive with bustling pedestrians, horse-drawn sleighs, and the iconic Prescott Hotel, situated on the corner of Spring Street, which opened in 1852. The American flags waving in the cold breeze add a patriotic touch to the scene, highlighting the grandeur and cultural significance of this historic street. The aquatint engraving technique used here allows for a delicate interplay of light and shadow, creating a soft yet detailed atmosphere. Combined with hand-coloring, this piece achieves a sense of warmth and realism that draws viewers into the moment. The intricate architectural details of the buildings and the lively street activities make this print both historically important and visually engaging. In more details: This grand scene was engraved by Paul Girardet after Hippolyte Victor Valentin Sebron's painting and published by the famous art dealer Michael Knoedler. The view looks down Broadway between Spring and Prince Streets. The Prescott Hotel, at the corner of Spring Street, was opened in 1852. Next to it, a building bearing the name Ceinese Buildings [Chinese] later becomes the infamous Buckley's Minstrel Hall. The lively street scene is filled with people and carriages, including a private one carrying a family at bottom right, and a public carriage beside it with several dozen passengers. A fire truck and firemen add to the traffic confusion in the scene. Sheet size measures 35.6 x 26.8". Hippolyte Victor Valentin Sebron (1801–1879) was a French painter of views, portraits, and landscapes. He was a student of Louis Daguerre in Paris, and traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Mediterranean and North America for inspiration. Sebron spent six years in America, from 1849-55, painting numerous views, including this one of Broadway for which he is most famous. Michael Knoedler, the publisher, emigrated from France in 1846 to manage the New York branch gallery of Goupil, Vibert & Cie, a major French art dealer. In 1857, Knoedler purchased the New York branch from Goupil and established his own business. Because the Knoedler gallery was founded before most museums in America were established, it played a key role as a conduit for works by master artists, which eventually filled American museum collections. Condition: Attractive color on heavy paper with light soiling, minor foxing, and small abrasions, including one on fireman's face. Three archival repairs: 1" tear into left image, a slight tear at top left, and one in the right blank margin. Crease in top left corner. Matting and framing tips: Opt for archival-quality matting to prevent further foxing and ensure longevity. A dark or neutral mat and a classic gold or black frame will enhance the print's historical charm and highlight its intricate details. Adding UV-protective glass will preserve the vivid hand-coloring and prevent fading over time. This 1857 hand-colored aquatint is a captivating collectible that combines artistic craftsmanship with a rich historical narrative. See less