Published by D. Appleton & Co. 1872-1874

This finely wrought hand coloured steelplate engraving of "Lake Superior" from William Cullen Bryant's "Picturesque America" was published by D. Appleton & Co., New York circa 1872-4.

William Cullen Bryant (1794 -1878), the distinguished American poet and editor, practised law until 1825 when he switched avocations and became editor and finally owner of the "Evening Post". In 1872 he edited "Picturesque America" and was responsible for choosing artists rather than photographers to interpret the beauty of america.

This beautifully executed steelplate engraving, coloured by a later hand, exemplifies the high point of 19th century intaglio printing and is a testament to William Cullen Bryant's genius. The artist, William Hart, depicts the sheer cliffs and rocky shores of Lake Superior along the Minnesota coastline wilderness. The engraver was Robert Hinshelwood.