1883-Dated, "Bird's-Eye View of the Great New York and Brooklyn Bridge," by A. Major, New York, Large Folio Chromolithograph, Framed, Fine.
A handsome and historically significant commemorative Chromolithograph of one of the defining moments in American architectural and engineering history, the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge in May 1883, in the desirable large folio. This large folio chromolithograph measures 28.5" x 16.5" overall and presents the celebrated bird's-eye panoramic view composition looking across the East River with the Brooklyn Bridge dominating the center of the image. The Manhattan skyline and waterfront at left and the Brooklyn Tower and waterfront at right, New York harbor filled with a remarkable variety of period sailing vessels, steamships, and smaller craft rendered with considerable detail and atmospheric effect.

The lower margin bears the title: "Bird's-Eye View of the Great New York and Brooklyn Bridge" with the publisher's imprint of A. Major, New York, 1883, and "Brooklyn Tower" identified at lower right. This print is housed in a period walnut and gold frame. The print shows slight age-consistent with age, presenting with good overall visual presence and strong decorative appeal.
The BROOKLYN BRIDGE, completed after fourteen years of construction under chief engineers John A. Roebling and his son Washington A. Roebling, opened to the public on May 24, 1883, in one of the most celebrated events in American civic history.

At the time of its completion it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, spanning 1,595 feet between its towers and connecting the previously independent cities of New York and Brooklyn across the East River. The opening ceremonies, presided over by President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland, were accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display that drew enormous crowds to both waterfronts.

Publisher A. MAJOR of New York issued this chromolithograph in 1883 to commemorate the opening, and it became one of the most widely distributed and eagerly collected commemorative images of this landmark American engineering achievement, depicting the bridge in its full panoramic glory with the busy East River harbor teeming with period sailing vessels and steamships below.
[Gilded Age, New York, 19th Century America] [Brooklyn Bridge, Engineering History, Maritime History] [Lithographs, Prints, Printed Americana]