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Rare chromolithographic view of Nevada Falls, after a painting of Yosemite Falls by John Ross Key in 1873.

This particular view of Nevada Falls is especially interesting, as it is a very early view of Nevada Falls, based upon a painting of an important early American painter, John Ross Key. It is one of the earliest obtainable printed images of Nevada Falls and there are relatively few early images of Nevada Falls, in comparison to Yosemite Falls and other famous landmarks in the Valley. Prang produced a number of views by John Ross Key, with whom he probably became acquainted during Key's time in Boston. Once Key travelled West, the relationship undoubtedly continued.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, print publishers began to issue chromolithographs that were intended to duplicate the appearance of oil paintings. This style of print was developed by Prang & Co. out of Boston, but soon other publishers joined in. These prints were a way for Americans of the middle class to hang art work that had the appearance of oil paintings in their homes at prices they could afford. Prang wasby far the leader in this printing process. Because of the heavy card stock paper and the manner in which most were framed without glass, relatively few survive in good condition.

This particular view of Nevada Falls is especially interesting, as it is a very early view of Nevada Falls, based upon a painting of an important early American painter, John Ross Key. It is one of the earliest obtainable printed images of Nevada Falls. Prang produced a number of views by John Ross Key, with whom he probably became acquainted during Key's time in Boston. Once Key travelled West, the relationship undoubtedly continued.

John Ross Key (1837-1920) was raised by his grandfather, Francis Scott Key, who wrote the Star Spangled Banner. He studied art in Munich and Paris, before settling in Boston where he established a studio. Key enjoyed success while in Boston and showed his works at the National Academy of Design, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and the Boston Art Club. In 1869 he moved to San Francisco. While in California, he traveled extensively, painting scenes of Yosemite, Carmel, Tahoe and the Giant Sequoia trees. Key left California after only two years and died in Baltimore in 1920.

While the present example is not in perfect condition, we are aware of only one example in the collection of the California State Library and none are listed in OCLC.