Frederick Gutekunst
1877
The Longest Structure in the World

Albumen print
13 1/4 x 44 1/4 in (33.6 x 111.76 cm)
 
Swann Galleries - New York
Courtesy of Swann Galleries (Auction, Oct 15, 2007, #2124, Lot 47)
 
Spectacular panoramic view of a train heading east on Rockville Bridge, Penn.
 
Gutekunst, who was considered Philadelphia's most famous photographer, was a Germantown native who operated a studio at Seventh and Arch for more than 50 years. In addition to commercial portraiture, he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad during the 1870s. His commissioned images in this size and condition are virtually unknown. Indeed, nearly all of his extant railroad images are only available as stereo views.
 
Depicted is an iron-truss bridge, the predecessor to the current stone masonry arch bridge. This is the longest structure in the world, spanning the Susquehanna River between Rockville (Dauphine) and Marysville, Penn. This second version of the bridge (the first was constructed of wood) was finished in 1877. The train itself has several U. S. Post Office cars attached, and the station sign reads "Rockville."
 
LL/23152