Mid-19th century birdseye view of the Charlottesville, Virginia, area, graphite on cardstock, titled on two separate caption strips in faint period hand-written pencil script: THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA / CHARLOTTESVILLE AND MONTICELLO IN THE BACKGROUND / TAKEN FROM LEWIS MOUNTAIN. The panoramic view shows the Lawn of the original grounds of the University of Virginia, including the Annex to the Rotunda (constructed 1851-54, destroyed by fire in 1895), and the Anatomical Theater (completed in 1828, partially destroyed by fire in 1886, restored with modifications in 1888). The town of Charlottesville and Monticello Mountain are visible in the background. Unsigned. The drawing shows numerous similarities, and is possibly related, to the lithograph of the same subject and title drawn by Edward Sachse (1804-1873) of Sachse & Co. and published by Casimir Bohn in 1856, although it lacks several details (including the horses seen in the upper right foreground of the print). Sachse & Co. was responsible for several mid-19th century views of American towns including: Richmond, VA (1851), Norfolk, VA (1851), and Alexandria, VA (1854). Other artists drawing views of Virginia during the period included James T. Palmatary, John Serz (who also did an engraving of the University of Virginia for Bohn), Edward Beyer and David Hunter Strother. Housed in an early, possibly original silver-gilt molded wood frame; framing materials include square nails. Sketch - 11" H x 18" W. Sight - 11 7/8" H x 17 7/8" W. Framed - 15 1/4" H x 21" W. Provenance: Nashville, Tennessee, estate, descended in an early Charlottesville, Virginia, family. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)

The drawing itself is in overall good condition with some minor losses upper margin, primarily at corners, and edge toning. Significant toning and some dampstaining to paper below sketch, with significant fading to penciled writing on captions. Sketch and caption strips are not adhered to backing. Frame: shrinkage and scattered oxidation and wear to frame, losses to upper left corner, right center margin; retains much of original gilding.