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Description

This lithographed bird's-eye view, originating from An Illustrated Historical Atlas of St. Joseph Co. Indiana, provides a depiction of Notre Dame University, as it was in 1875. Conceived by G.C. Gooch and published by Higgins Belden & Co., this visual document presents a comprehensive layout of the university, accompanied by portraits of five central university figures.

The lithograph represents a specific historical moment when Notre Dame University was rapidly expanding in the aftermath of the Civil War. Established in 1842 in Indiana's St. Joseph County, the university was becoming a beacon of higher education in the Midwest. This imagery underlines the architectural and infrastructural sophistication of the university, reflecting its ambition and status.

Moreover, the lithograph is a tangible product of the flourishing print industry in the late 19th century. Produced by Charles Shober & Co., a leading lithography firm based in Chicago, the document exemplifies the detailed and vivid style of lithographic maps and views that were popular during this period. As such, it serves as a valuable artifact for understanding the interplay of academia, art, and commerce in the Victorian era.

This lithograph, through its depictions and implied narratives, provides valuable insights into the historic Notre Dame University and its sociocultural milieu, offering a tangible connection to the past. Its value transcends the aesthetic, delving into the realms of history, academia, and the evolving art of lithography.

Rarity

Very scarce. We find no other examples having traded separately.

Condition Description
Double-page lithographed bird's-eye view on wove paper. Some staining and foxing, as illustrated. Good to VG.