The City of New York, in the State of New York, North America [The Birch View with the Picnic Party] 1803

Samuel Seymour's "The City of New York, in the State of New York, North America [The Birch View with the Picnic Party]" (1803) is a hand-colored aquatint depicting a picturesque view of New York City from across the East River. The scene features a group of figures enjoying a picnic beneath a large tree in the foreground, while the bustling cityscape, dotted with ships, stretches out in the distance. The artist's choice of composition creates a sense of tranquility and leisure, juxtaposed with the burgeoning activity of the city. This early 19th-century print, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a unique glimpse into the evolving urban landscape of New York City.