"The Panorama of the Seat of War" by John Bachmann, Circa 1864

Presented is an original printing of John Bachmann's "Panorama of the Seat of War. Birds Eye View of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia." The print was published in 1864. It is the third state of this fascinating bird's eye view, depicting the northernmost part of the east coast of the Confederacy and the southernmost areas of the Union, including Washington. This third issue was printed with several edits. Specifically, the smoke that was added to Manassas, Virginia in the second issue was once again removed for this issue. The view also has "many towns and battlefields ... added, especially around Richmond, Petersburg, and Fredericksburg" (Rumsey).

"At the outset of the Civil War, John Bachmann, of New York City, one of the finest American artists and lithographers specializing in bird's-eye views, began producing a series of panoramas of likely theaters of War" (Stephenson & McKee Virginia in Maps p.239). This view, taken from the apparent vantage point some miles up in the outer atmosphere, was designed to serve as an individual stand-alone image (as here), but also to join with two other views by Bachmann which together formed one continuous panorama of the east coast of the Confederacy. In all, Bachmann published six views covering the whole "Seat of the War." The present image covers an area which includes the locations of a number of well-known Civil War battles and engagements: Harper's Ferry, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania, Manassas, Petersburg and Appomattox River, Richmond and its environs.

John Bachmann was one of America's leading viewmakers and was responsible for some of the finest New York City views of the 19th century. The innovative cross between a view and a battle map appears to have been his own invention and provides an intriguing and different perspective on the conflict.

The first state of this view was published by Bachmann in 1861. The second state was published with smoke billowing up from Manassas in reference to the Battle of Bull Run. The (present) third edition was published by Charles Magnus in 1864, the battlefield smoke having been removed. 

CONDITION:

This is a nearly mint example. Paper is healthy. Color is vibrant. Published in New York by Charles Magnus, 1864. Chromolithograph by Bachmann. Light toning to margins. 

The view is presented framed, using the finest archival materials and procedures, in include acid-free linen top mats, a gold beaded filet, black and gold custom frame, and UV Conservation Clear glass. Framed dimensions: 33 3/8" H x 41 1/2" W x 2" D