United States Capitol, Washington, Washington Selecting the Site, circa 1850

This is an original antique steel engraving, uncolored, lettered below the view "CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON." The building is seen across a wide open ground: a long classical front with a central portico of tall columns reached by a broad flight of steps, a large low dome over the center, and two wings with smaller domes. Carriages stand near the entrance, and the foreground is busy with strolling figures, a family group at left, a couple with a small dog, and a lady and gentleman on horseback. Clouds build behind the dome.

The emblem above the view is an eagle in flight with outstretched wings, uncaptioned. Below at left, "WASHINGTON SELECTING THE SITE FOR THE CAPITOL." shows Washington on horseback pointing across open country, with an officer looking through a telescope and a man on foot holding a plan. At right, "WASHINGTON MAKING HIS LAST SPEECH IN THE SENATE CHAMBER." shows Washington standing at a draped table addressing a seated assembly. No artist or engraver credit is lettered under the view. The imprint at the foot reads "J & F. TALLIS, LONDON, EDINBURGH & DUBLIN."

The plate belongs to the History of the United States of America, edited by John Howard Hinton (1791 to 1873), the English Baptist minister and author, and published by J. and F. Tallis about 1850. J. and F. Tallis were London publishers of illustrated works sold in parts around the middle of the nineteenth century, and the plates of this edition set a central steel engraved view inside an engraved ornamental border with small lettered vignettes of episodes from American history. This plate shows the Capitol with its low central dome, as it stood before the much taller dome was added later in the century.

A crisp architectural view that would suit a collection of Washington or government buildings.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.