View of a rustic bridge and house by FASEL, George and VALOIS, Edward - 1862

New York: J. Rau, 1862. Color lithograph with modern hand coloring. Image measures 9 1/2" x 13 3/4". Sheet measures 12" x 18 3/4".<br/><br/> This rare view of Central Park shows a rustic bridge and nearby cottage with a pond in the foreground. Absent of people, the view allows the park's idyllic natural landscape to come to the fore. Lush grass and variety of trees fill the scene, which, while similar to the park's present appearance, has a particular manicured wildness that characterized Olmstead's original design. The view appeared in Rau's 1862 "Central Park Album." It is in good condition with no tears and minor overall discoloration. Large chip on the top margin not affecting the image. George Fasel was a German lithographer and painter who immigrated from Karlsruhe to New York in 1850. He was best known for his portraits, religious subjects, and historical scenes. Edward Valois was a lithographer active in New York in the mid-1850s. Their view of Central Park is a beautiful and scarce memento of the park's past.<br/><br/>