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c. 1845, Original Engraved Print: Major Andre

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Famous Original Print of "The Capture of Major Andre"

c. 1845, Original Engraved Print entitled, "The Capture of Major Andre," Choice Very Fine.
This historic engraving, based on Asher B. Durand's painting, with figures by A. Jones, and landscape by Smillie & Hinshelwood, measures 16" x 19". It was printed by W.F. Smith and was first issued in 1845 by the American Art Union in New York. The print depicts Major Andre with his boots off, apparently, attempting to convince his captors of his innocence. It is an illustration of the famous incident from the American Revolutionary War, when three American guards apprehended the British spy, Major Andre, and found treasonous letters from Benedict Arnold hidden in his boots. He was later hanged as a spy despite appeals from many Continental officers, who were impressed by his charming personality. There is some discoloration, slight, scattered toning and soiling in the margins. Overall the print is quite impressive and ready for framing.


Major John Andre met with Benedict Arnold to negotiate the surrender of West Point. While returning, he was captured in civilian clothes with the negotiation papers; the Americans hanged him as a spy.
Durand was born in and eventually died in Maplewood, New Jersey (then called Jefferson Village). He lived in what is now known as the Durand-Hedden house, which is now designated as a historic landmark. Durand was apprenticed to an engraver from 1812 to 1817, later entering into a partnership, the owner of the firm asked him to run the firm's New York branch. He engraved the Declaration of Independence for John Trumbull in 1823, which established his reputation as one of the country's finest engravers. His interest shifted from engraving to oil painting around 1830 with the encouragement of his patron, Luman Reed. Soon after 1837 he began to concentrate on landscape painting making hundreds of drawings and oil sketches that were later incorporated into finished academy pieces which helped to define the Hudson River School.

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