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Item 53a: Engraving of “Prospect Rock,” by William Henry Bartlett & George K. Richardson, ca. 1837

 Item — Box: 21, Folder: 53a

Dates

  • Created: ca. 1837

Creator

Access:

All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.

Extent

1 items

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Type of Material:

Engraving

Condition Note:

Okay.

Measurements:

9 ½ in. x 5 ⅞ in.

Title:

The Wyoming Valley, from Prospect Rock

Description:

An engraving that depicts people descending a mountain into Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna River can be seen towards the background as well as a small settlement towards the foreground. The same image as item 82 and item 52b.The Susquehanna River is a major river located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and covers much of Pennsylvania. It stretches 444 miles long, making it the longest river on the East Coast, and the 16th largest river in the United States. The river is made up of two main branches including the North Branch and the West Branch. The river drains 27,500 square miles that includes much of Pennsylvania. The river empties into the northern part of the Chesapeake Bay. According to Valley Views of Northeastern Pennsylvania, by Gilbert S. McClintock, “This view is from Prospect Rock on the easterly side of the river. This drawing by Bartlett was later lithographed by George Howard; published as a woodcut by Butler & Strupe; engraved by A. L. Dick; and copied many times in many media.” William Henry Bartlett, born March 26, 1809 in Kentish Town, London, was best known for his many drawings rendered into steel engravings. He was an apprentice to John Britton (1771-1857) and became one of the most foremost illustrators of topography in his generation. Bartlett traveled often leading him throughout Britain, the Balkans and Middle East in the 1840s, and to North America between 1836 and 1852. Making several trips to the United States during this time, he gathered sketches of scenery. He began in New York and visited Niagara Falls, much of New England and the mid-Atlantic region. From here he produced well-known renditions of many points of interest. His works are popular with the public and described as “charming” and what it felt to experience these wonders in the 1830s. George James Howard, 9th Earl of Carlisle was born in London, England on August 12, 1843 and was an aristocrat, peer, politician, and painter. He studied art under Alphonse Legros and Giovanni Costa and belonged to the Etruscan School of painters. He was the last known Earl of Carlisle to own Castle Howard. He died on April 16, 1911. Archibald L. Dick was an American engraver from Scotland, born in 1805. He died in New York in 1855. More of his works can be found on the Worcester Art Museum website.

Location:

Prospect Rock, near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Transcription:

[pos.] 1853 [pos.] BUTLER&STRUPE The Wyoming Valley, from Prospect Rock.

Repository Details

Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository

Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)