Bachmann, John (1814-1896). Birds eye view of New-Orleans. New York, 1851 (First Edition).

Bachmann, John (1814-1896).
Birds eye view of New-Orleans.
Color printed lithograph.
New York, 1851 (First Edition).
26 x 34 3/4" sheet, 30 x 39 inches framed.

Rare view of New Orleans by John Bachman, or Bachmann.

John Reps, in "Views and Viewmakers of Urban America" p. 160, states "No finer artist of city views worked in America than John Bachmann. Unfortunately, there is no artist about whom less is known..." Bachman is believed to have emigrated from Germany to the United States in the late 1840s. The first image to carry his name was a view of New York City dated 1849. This New Orleans image from 1851 is one of his earliest of his long career (1885 is the latest date associated with his work) and considered one of his finest efforts. Much of his work was printed by others, but this multi-stone color lithograph was printed by Bachman himself. The birds'-eye view looks across the blue horseshoe bend of the Mississippi River to the brick-red buildings of the city to the north. Paddle-wheel steamers (including the Magnolia, Natchez, America, Creole, and Belle-Key) and sailing ships are seen in the foreground and the perspective view of the city recedes toward distant Lake Pontchartrain. Distinctive buildings include the St. Charles Hotel (built in 1851), the Customs House, the domed City Exchange, and Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Louis. Reps 1151; Stokes p. 109.