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Rare aquatint printing of William G. Wall's 1823 watercolor painting, expertly engraved by John Hill in 1823.
This period marked a significant collaboration between Wall and Hill, notably on the acclaimed Hudson River Portfolio (1821–1825), a collection of sixteen aquatints showcasing the scenic splendor of the Hudson River, stretching from near Saratoga Springs to New York City.
The original watercolors from which this print is derived depict contrasting views of New York City's skyline as seen from Brooklyn and New Jersey. This particular print offers a view of New York City from New Jersey, capturing the city in the late afternoon light. During Wall's era, this perspective, especially from Weehawken, was predominantly a visual delight for New Yorkers rather than New Jersey residents. New Yorkers would frequently cross the Hudson River by ferry, arriving north of Castle Point, which is discernibly depicted in the middle distance on the right side of this print.
Visitors would often meander through the pastoral charm of Hoboken's Elysian Fields and, for those seeking a more vigorous experience, ascend the Weehawken bluffs. From this elevated viewpoint, they could admire the impressive harbor and the burgeoning metropolis. The print, therefore, is not just a visual representation but also a historical window into the leisure practices and urban development of early 19th-century New York.
![[Lower East Side / Manhattan] Map of Delancy's Farm Eastern Part.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/59384.jpg)
