Astor House - New York

Rare. Illustration published about 1854 shows the old Astor House occupying the entire block front on Broadway, between Vesey Street (left) and Barclay Street (right). St. Paul's Chapel is to the left and City Hall Park is to the right, out of the illustration.

Print Type: Copper Engraving
Date: Circa 1850
Publisher: Hermann J Meyer
Origin: American
Dimensions: 11 x 7"
Subject: American Scenery

Notes & Literature: Herrmann J. Meyer and his father, Joseph Meyer, were German publishers of an illustrated travel series called Meyer’s Universum. Joseph Meyer very much admired the United States and sent his son to establish a publishing house in New York. Herrmann proceeded to publish an American edition of the Universum, but also desired to publish a new series of his own called, The United States Illustrated. Unfortunately, the series did not do well, and Meyer decided to return to Germany. After the death of his father, he assumed control of their Bibliographischen Institute which is still in business today. The prints from Meyer’s various engravings are mostly based on first-hand renderings and are finely executed.

Condition Report: Minor foxing in bottom margin.

Subject References: American Scenery New York State American Views 19th century Rural America Americana ID 182