"Forest Scene Summer" by Currier & Ives, 125 Nassau St., New York, original antique hand-colored lithograph, 1872s-74, with picture mat and vintage glass frame.

The picture [lithographed area] is c.12.1/2" x 8" [31.8cm x 20.3cm]; the frame is 21" x 17" [53.3cm x 43.2cm]; the lithograph is mounted on the cardboard; very good condition; the frame shows some wear matching the old age.

This artwork is an authentic antique hand-made 1870s lithograph.

The Currier & Ives lithographs were reprinted since the 1930s. Such reproductions show under the magnifying glass the characteristics of mechanical printing.

This particular picture examined with the magnifying glass is a confirmed original hand lithograph and genuine hand-coloring: the black color reflects the pattern of a greasy crayon on slabs on limestone-- it looks like drawn with charcoal or black chalk. There are no dots related to mechanical printing. The hand coloring is also genuine with some imperfection and other characteristic of hand coloring-- smooth color surface and color modulation without any dots of mechanical or digital printing.

Currier & Ives Company was founded in 1835 and existed until 1907. All lithographs were produced on lithographic limestone printing plates on which the drawing was done by hand. A stone often took over a week to prepare for printing. Each print was pulled by hand. Prints were hand-colored by a dozen or more women, often immigrants from Germany with an art background. They worked in assembly-line fashion, one color to a worker, and who were paid $6 for every 100 colored prints. The favored colors were clear and simple, and the drawing was bold and direct.

Currier & Ives moved a number of times during the years. Prints that do not carry a copyright date can be dated by comparing the printed store address to the years that address was used. It allows to identify the date of the creation of this print. According to the Currier and Ives Foundation, C&I moved to 125 Nassau Street in 1872, and then moved to 123 Nassau St. in 1874.

Rates vary per zone/ country - estimates only [not incl. zone 9/10 - country restrictions may apply], we will adjust shipping costs with the invoice.

US: Priority (c.2-8 days) ------------ $95.50
Canada: Priority (c 2-6 weeks) -- $122.50
World: Priority (c 2-8 weeks) --- $210.50