◇ Albany, NY

PrintThis hand-colored lithograph presents a panoramic view of Albany, New York, during the mid-19th century. A blend of natural beauty and growing industry, the scene captures the Hudson River bustling with steamboats and sailboats, while the city skyline rises in the distance. Created between 1848 and 1851 as part of Views of American Cities, this artwork reflects a pivotal era in Albany’s development.

Why We Picked It
The lithograph uses the river’s gentle curves and foreground elements—such as trees, horseback riders, and onlookers—to guide the eye toward Albany’s expanding cityscape. The soft pastel tones and intricate detailing bring the historical moment to life, making this piece an elegant yet informative addition to any collection of vintage American landscapes or cityscapes.

Notable Context
As New York’s capital, Albany played a crucial role in trade and transportation, particularly with the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. By the time Kollner created this print, Albany was thriving as a center of commerce, politics, and culture. The presence of steamboats in the river underscores the city’s importance as a transportation hub, linking the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and beyond.

About the Location
Situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, Albany is one of the oldest cities in the United States, with Dutch colonial roots dating back to the early 1600s. By the mid-19th century, it was a bustling center of industry and governance. This lithograph captures not just its picturesque setting but also its historical significance as a growing metropolis in antebellum America.

About the Artist
Augustus Theodore Frederick Kollner (1812–1906) was a German-born artist, engraver, and lithographer who emigrated to the United States in 1839. Known for his intricate cityscapes and landscapes, he created Views of American Cities, a series published between 1848 and 1851 by Goupil, Vibert & Co., a leading international art publisher.

The lithograph was expertly transferred to stone by Isidore-Laurent Deroy, a skilled lithographer renowned for translating artists’ works into fine prints. It was then printed in Paris by Cattier, a respected French printing house known for its precision in lithographic production. Finally, the New York-based firm G. & W. Endicott played a role in the publication and distribution of the print, ensuring its availability to American audiences.