New-York (Union Square, Looking South) 1850

C. Bachman created this print of New York, looking south from Union Square, around 1850. It’s made using lithography, a printmaking process based on the mutual repulsion of grease and water. The image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, and then chemically treated so that only the drawn areas will accept ink. What’s so interesting is how this process democratized image-making. Instead of relying on engravers, who had to be highly skilled, lithography allowed for quicker, more direct reproduction. We can really feel that immediacy in this print. Look at the dense network of buildings and ships rendered with such precision. The city’s relentless expansion is palpable, a direct result of industrial production and global trade. This wasn’t just a picture; it was a statement of ambition. The hand-applied color adds another layer. Each print would have been subtly different, a kind of proto-mass customization. Ultimately, this image isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about the social and economic forces shaping a rapidly changing world. It's a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward image is deeply intertwined with its mode of production.