Published by D. Appleton & Co. 1874

This finely wrought hand coloured steelplate engraving of "Mount Hood, from the Columbia" from William Cullen Bryant's "Picturesque America" was published by D. Appleton & Co., New York circa 1874.

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. An indian canoe floats on the Columbia River, their village on the heavily wooded opposite bank , while a snow capped Mount Hood dominates the background. The artist was Robert S. Gifford; the engraver, Robert Hinshelwood.