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Edward Anthony
Engraving of the U.S. Senate Chamber. E, Anthony, 247 Broadway, New York. 1847
1847
Magazine page
Google Books
LL/36157
The American Review: A Whig Journal of Politics, Literature, Art and Science, Vol. VI, No.VI, December, 1847, p.654.
Engraving of the U. S. Senate Chamber. E. Anthony, 247 Broadway, NewYork. 1847.
The plate of this celebrated work has, we understand, been retouched and improved by the engraver, that it may yield a larger number of impressions, in answer to the increased demand. It represents the interior of the Senate Chamber, the floor and galleries occupied by about one hundred Daguerreotype likenesses of the most remarkable persons of our age and country. The scene intended to be represented, is that of the retirement of Mr. Clay from public life, in 1842. The Senators appear in their seats, while in the lobbies and gallery are many persons of distinction, ex-Senators, members of the Cabinet, prominent Representatives from the lower House, and other persons as spectators. The steel plate, on which the work was executed in mezzotint, is oneof the largest ever engraved, being thirty-two by forty inches in height and length.
Some idea of the labor and preparation expended on this work, may be formed from the particulars of it given by the proprietors, Messrs. Anthony, Clark & Co., in their prospectus:
"Each likeness has been engraved from a single Daguerreotype taken for the purpose, and the various sections of the Senate Chamber by,the aid of a sketch of the whole effect in oil colors. Daring nearly four years the enterprise was in progress, and during each session of the first four yeare, Messrs. Anthony and Edwards were engaged in the Capitol, taking likenesses." " This picture marks the second age of our country, as Trumbull's Declaration of Independence did the first."
This invaluable work has already attained a great celebrity in Europe, and must continue to be known and valued, as long as a single copy of it is in existence. All who wish to obtain fine impressions should apply soon for them, as the plate is a mezzotint, and will deteriorate rapidly under the press. The picture is a splendid ornament for a library or lecture room, and every public institution should possess a copy. The heads are by Doney, the engraver of the head of Pius IX. in our last number, and of J. M. Boits in this present one.
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