The City of Washington: Bird's-Eye View from the Potomac—Looking North 1892

Currier and Ives made this print of "The City of Washington" using lithography, a printmaking process based on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. An image is drawn on a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treated with chemicals, inked, and pressed onto paper. In the 19th century, lithography was a relatively quick and inexpensive way to produce images, making it ideal for mass consumption. Currier and Ives, known as "the Grand Central Depot for Cheap and Popular Prints," churned out thousands of images depicting everything from current events to idealized scenes of American life. This bird's-eye view of Washington D.C. offered citizens a detailed look at their nation's capital. The print's sharp lines and tonal contrasts were achieved by layering multiple colors to create a sense of depth and realism. The abundance of such prints speaks to the rise of consumer culture and the democratization of art in the industrial era. Understanding the means of production reveals the print's social context and challenges traditional notions of fine art.