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Historical Materials

Historical Materials  »    »  Lithography (Sales & Exhibitions)

Lithography (Sales & Exhibitions)

View related Fitz Henry Lane catalog entries (3) »

Lithographs were sold in two ways: either they were published by a dealer or shop who paid for the cost of the printmaking, or an artist would sell a print by subscription. In the case of subscription, the artist would place a notice in a newspaper about the intent to make the print, put the original drawing on display, and subscribers would pledge payment. In this way the artist could gauge interest before employing the lithography shop to print the composition. This is the way in which Lane printed both View of Gloucester, 1859 (inv. 446) and Castine, from Hospital Island, 1855 (inv. 448).

Much of this information is drawn from Boston Lithography, 1825–1880 by Sally Pierce and Catharina Slautterback.

Related tables: Gloucester, Mass. - Citizen's Cheap Cash Store (68 Front Street) »

advertisement
1857 Gloucester Advertiser, 9.15.1857, "Special Notices – Some Very Pretty Pictures"
Courtesy American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass.

See p. 2, column 6.

Also filed under: Procter Brothers »

publication
1835 Gloucester Telegraph 1.21.1835
1.21.1835
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph: View of Gloucester, p. 2, col. 1
American Antiquarian Society

"VIEW OF GLOUCESTER. – We are happy to state, that Mr. F. H. Lane contemplates publishing a Lithographic view of this town, from Eastern Point, provided a sufficient number of copies are subscribed for. Mr. Lane is well known in this place as a young man of genius, and we have no hesitation in saying that we believe him qualified for the task. – A subscription paper for this work may be seen at our office, and when we consider that this interesting, and we may say truly beautiful picture is offered at the low price of $1, we cannot doubt that our fellow citizens will eagerly avail themselves of this opportunity to obtain a copy of a view of this town."

publication
1835 Gloucester Telegraph 12.19.1835
12.19.1835
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph: Items, p. 1, col. 5
American Antiquarian Society

“We are requested to inform the public that Mr. LANE’s View of Gloucester is in a state of forwardness, and will be completed by the first or middle of February next. Persons wishing to obtain a good lithographic view of Gloucester, and disposed to encourage a native artist, can subscribe by applying to ISAAC A. SMITH, No. 33, Front Street.”

publication
1835 Gloucester Telegraph 8.15.1835
8.15.1835
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph: View of Gloucester, p. 1, col. 1
American Antiquarian Society

“VIEW OF GLOUCESTER. – It will be recollected that we stated some time since, that it was the intention of Mr. Fitz H. Lane, an artist belonging to this place, to lithograph a view of Gloucester, provided a sufficient number of copies were subscribed for to warrant the undertaking. The progress of the subscription has been rather slow, but we are happy to learn it is now large enough to cover the necessary expenses of publication, and that it will be completed and furnished to subscribers as soon as possible. Mr. Lane has been in town during the past week, and has completed his sketch. – The view was taken from the upland above the cove formed by Rocky Neck, a portion of which is included. The sketch embraces the Harbor and Town from Stage Fort to the Head of the Upper Cove, and though small, the buildings and prominent points, are remarkably accurate and distinct. The foreground is occupied with bold rocks on the left, and a beautiful cottage and enclosure, with the packing establishment of Giles & Wonson, with a vessel aground at the wharf, on the right. Taking it all in all, the mirror-like surface and graceful bends of the harbor, studded here and there with most exquisitely drawn vessels; the lofty hills which nearly encompass the town, and last our handsomely situated, and really handsome village, forms the most beautiful picture of the kind we ever saw. We trust our citizens, and those who have gone from among us to other places, will duly appreciate the labors of Mr. Lane, and render his sketch not only a source of pleasure, but of profit to him. We would not be without a copy of it, when finished, for five times the amount of the subscription price.”

publication
1836 Gloucester Telegraph 3.16.1836
3.16.1836
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph: p. 2, col. 3
American Antiquarian Society

“We have received a copy of a lithographic sketch of the town of Gloucester, executed by Mr. FITZ H. LANE of this town. The sketch itself is, we think, most admirably executed; and so far as we are acquainted with the art, there is a softness and beauty in the design, which we do not always find in the works of older and more distinguished artists. We think that the effect would have been more striking, had the view been taken from some other place than Eastern Point. There are several places whence the town could be seen to better advantage. However, we do not mean to find fault with so deserving a performance; and we hope the people of Gloucester will encourage an artist whose youth and evident talent, with other circumstances, (that of his being a native, not the least,) ought to entitle him to their liberal patronage. We venture to predict that he will one day become distinguished in his art.

Subscribers and others may obtain the print at the store of Isaac A. Smith.”

publication
1843 Cape Ann Light & Telegraph 4.22.1843
4.22.1843
Newspaper
p. 3

"Engravings. A splendid lot of Engravings, at 12 1/2 cents each, just rec'd at 68 Front Street, among which are the following: The May Queen, Augusta, Clara, Victoria, Nancy, The Sleeping Beauty, John Tyler, Landing of the Pilgrims, Flower Vase, Brig Somers, Father Matthew, Mourning Pieces, suitable for framing - also Portraits of the People."

publication
1843 Telegraph 5.31.1843
5.31.1843
Newspaper
vol. 17, no. 43

“A beautiful picture of the U.S. Ship of the Line Ohio drawn and published by F. H. Lane of Boston may be seen at 68 Front St.”

publication
1846 Unknown Newspaper 11.25.1846
11.25.1846
Unknown Newspaper

"Our fellow townsman, Mr. Fitz H. Lane, has just published a splendid Lithographic view of Gloucester, which we think is far superior to his former one. It is one of the most perfect pictures of the kind we have ever seen, every house and object being distinctly visible. Copies of it can be obtained at Mr. Charles Smith's Bookstore, at the reasonable price of $1."

manuscript
1852 Expense Account 11.27.1852
Samuel Sawyer
11.27.1852
Samuel Sawyer Papers
Cape Ann Museum Library & Archives
Archive Collection exp013

"November 27. Engraving. Arch of Triumph (To James 1/53)

Engraving. Pharaoh’s Horses Painting.  Seaview

Traveller & milkmaid. Companions. Hogarth. $2." 

advertisement
1853 Procter's Able Sheet Gloucester, 11.1853, "Elwell's Sky Light Daguerrotype Rooms"
Courtesy American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass.

See p. 3, column 3.

“ELWELL’S SKY LIGHT DAGUERREOTYPE ROOMS, No. 77 1–2 Front Street (Over Shaw’s Clothing Store,) Gloucester. Every description of plain and fancy case to be found in the market. Also Gold, Plated and Gilt Lockets constantly on hand. As to the quality of the pictures, call and examine.”

publication
1858 Cape Ann Advertiser 8.28.1858
Procter Brothers
Various dates
Newsprint
From bound volume owned by publisher Francis Procter
Collection of Fred and Stephanie Buck

"Our readers will please note in passing Procter Brothers store, 123 Front St., the fine View of Gloucester, which our distinguished fellow-citizen, F.H. LANE, Esq., has recently sketched from nature and imparted to the canvass. We understand that if a sufficient number of subscribers can be obtained, it will be lithographed, thus making a beautiful picture for the parlor of our residents, as well as an appropriate gift for our wandering Cape Ann natives, who can see the place as it now is. Persons who wish to subscribe will please leave their names with the publishers, Procter Brothers."

publication
1858 Procter Able Sheet 8.28.1858
8.28.1858
Newspaper

"Please note the fine view of Gloucester recently sketched by F.H. Lane, Esq. A sufficient number of subscribers will allow it to be lithographed-leave your name with Procter Bros.

publication
1859 Cape Ann Advertiser 1.28.1859
Procter Brothers
Various dates
Newsprint
From bound volume owned by publisher Francis Procter
Collection of Fred and Stephanie Buck

"We would respectfully call the attention of our citizens to a new lithographic view of Gloucester, from a painting by Lane. It will be found to present a faithful and accurate picture of the town and is well executed, and worthy a place in every man's house, who has a desire to possess a view of the town of his nativity or residence. To our native born townsmen, now residing in other places, it must prove a very welcome possession. The price of the lithograph is $2.25. To those wishing to subscribe $2.75, in addition to the lithographic view, an opportunity will be afforded to draw as prizes, (provided a sufficient number of subscribers are obtained,) the following pictures, executed by Mr. Lane:

1. The original painting, from which the lithograph was taken.

2. Winter scene, cutting vessels out of the ice.

3. View of a large boulder.

4. Moonlight scene.

5. Landscape.

These pictures will shortly be on exhibition at the store of Procter Brothers, where the lithographic view may now be seen.

Few marine artists are equal to Mr. Lane in correctness and fulness of detail. His ships look like ships, and seem almost to be in motion, for they are drawn by one who knows every rope and line, both nautically and artistically. His reputation and established, and his pictures adorn the residences of many admirers in distant cities, where his productions are estimated according to there true value. We hope that his fellow citizens will appreciate the feeling which has prompted him to publish this new view of Gloucester, and by their patronage will reward him pecuniarily, as he deserves.

The pictures offered as prizes are fine and faithful sketches of well-known localities, and need only to be seen to be appreciated. – Due notice will be given when they are ready for exhibition, and further particulars, in reference to the method proposed for disposing of them, will be announced."

publication
1859 Cape Ann Advertiser 3.11.1859
Procter Brothers
Newspaper
From bound volume owned by publisher Francis Procter
Collection of Fred and Stephanie Buck

This clipping has three separate sections on Lane:

"There are on exhibition at Procter Brothers two views of Gloucester, from sketches by Lane, one taken in 1840 and the other in 1858. A vivid idea of the change which has taken place in our town within twenty years, may be gained by an inspection of these pictures. Call in and see them. . . .

Every one who has any idea of subscribing for 'Lane's new View of Gloucester,' should not fail to do so immediately, as we learn from the publishers that the first edition is nearly all disposed of, and the subscription book will be closed the last of March. . . .

Call in at Procter Brothers, and see how they original painting of Lane's new View of Gloucester is improved by the handsome gilt frame in which it has been placed. Here is a PRIZE for somebody. Who is the lucky man?"

publication
1859 Gloucester Telegraph 2.9.1859
2.9.1859
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph p. 2, col. 3
Boston Public Library
Accession # G587

"PICTURES. – Two of Lane's finest paintings are on exhibition at the Marine Insurance Reading Room. One is a most spirited representation of a gale on the sea coast. Huge rollers come rumbling towards the rocky foreground where the spray dashes high and the receding wave is thrown up sharp and wedgelike by the great crested breaker under which it is speedily overwhelmed. In the middle distance a bald headland receives the sun's rays which slant through the mist from an opening in the heavy clouds. A close reefed ship leaps proudly over the waves and safely weathers the dangerous point beyond.

The companion-piece is a bay scene in which the setting sun throws a flood of golden light over the placid water. Vessels of different kinds, with sails in light and shadow, enliven the picture. A homely old sloop getting underweigh well sets off the most prominent object - a handsome ship under full canvass, slowly gliding over the ground-swell with a light breeze afloat, while there is hardly enough below to make a cat's paw.

These pictures were painted for the spring exhibition of the National Academy at New York, whither they will go unless stopped by some appreciative purchaser.

In Lane's studio are several gems of art. - Wind against Tide on Georges, a stirring pure marine, and Recollections of Mount Desert, an exquisite bit of landscape, evince a versatility of pencil which he is not generally known to possess.

The demand for a View of Gloucester worth having (as that poor caricature of Tidd's is not) has induced Lane to supply another, which is the third and largest of his series. It is taken from Rocky Neck, like its predecessor. Of course all the modern improvements visible from that point of view are represented with the artist's usual accuracy of drawing. To the first 300 subscribers the print will be offered at the low price of $2.25 per copy. The original painting from which it is lithographed, and several other of his pictures, will be distributed by lot among those who choose to take their copies at $2.75 – a price which the print alone will command before the entire edition is exhausted."

publication
1859 Gloucester Telegraph 6.17.1859
6.17.1859
Newspaper

"Now Ready! Lane's new View of Gloucester, the first edition, 18 just issued $2.75 per copy."

1859 Gloucester Telegraph 6.24.1859
6.24.1859
Newspaper

"We learn from the publishers that the 300 copies of "Lane's new view of Gloucester," comprising the first edition, and with which each subscriber is entitled to a share in the original, and four other of Mr. Lane's beautiful paintings, all in splendid frames, are nearly taken up, and the paintings will probably be distributed on Monday, July 4th. Those who wish one of these beautiful views, should not neglect this opportunity, and subscribers who have not got their subscription cards, will please secure them without delay."

publication
1859 Gloucester Telegraph 7.8.1859
7.8.1859
Newspaper

"Subscribers to "Lane's new View of Gloucester," are particularly requested to secure their tickets in said View without delay. There is a few still left, which of those who have neglected to purchase will at once secure- The publishers are anxious to close it up and deliver the paintings to the lucky subscribers during the present month. Shall they do so?"

publication
1859 Gloucester Telegraph 8.26.1859
8.26.1859
Newspaper

"Lane's View of Gloucester" A few copies on hand. Now is the time to purchase, have framed, and hung up in the sitting-room or parlor.

publication
1859 Gloucester Telegraph 9.21.1859
9.21.1859
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph, p. 2, col. 3
Boston Public Library
Accession # G587

"DRAWING OF PAINTINGS.– The distribution of five oil paintings among the subscribers to Lane’s view of Gloucester, took place on Saturday Evening, at the store of Messrs. Procter Brothers. No. 125 took the first picture, being the original painting from which the view of Gloucester was engraved. It is a valuable picture, and Mr. John H. Whidden was the lucky holder of the number. The second picture, a winter scene, giving a representation of cutting vessels out of the ice, fell to No. 186, the holder of which was Mr. William Parsons, 2d. The third picture, a moonlight scene, was taken by No. 263, which was held by Mr. Joseph Richardson of Boston. The fourth, a landscape view, fell to No. 2, the owner of which was Mr. Solomon Pool. No. 93 took the fifth, a view of a large boulder, and Mr. William D. Winchester held the ticket."

publication
1859 Gloucester Telegraph 9.23.1859
9.23.1859
Newspaper

Distribution of Oil Paintings to Subscribers of "Lane's View of Gloucester."

#125- 1st Prize of the original painting to J.H. Whidden

#186- 2nd Prize, Winter Scene, cutting vessels out of the ice. Wm. Parsons, 2nd

#263- 3rd Prize, Moonlight Scene, Joseph Richardson

#2- 4th Prize, a beautiful landscape view, Solomon Pool

#93- 5th Prize, view of a Large Bowlder. Wm. D. Winchester

publication
1859 Procter Able Sheet 1.7.1859
1.7.1859
Newspaper

"Lane's new view of Gloucester- An advanced impression of this splendid lithograph has been received by the publishers, Procter Brothers,... We learn that the canvas for this work will be commenced soon... We understand that under suggestions from the artist, Mr. Lane, several improvements will be made on this copy, making the regular issue of prints more desirable that the sample."

publication
1859 Procter Able Sheet 2.18.1859
2.18.1859
Newspaper

"All who have subscribed to Mr. Lane's painting should do so as the list is filling up fast. First signers get best impression of the print 27" x 40" The prizes are 5 oil paintings in gilt frame."

publication
1859 Procter Able Sheet 3.4.1859
3.4.1859
Newspaper

"6 different frames are available at Procter Bros. for Lane's new painting."

publication
1864 Gloucester Telegraph 2.24.1864
2.24.1864
Newspaper
Gloucester Telegraph

The second great Front St. fire burned as close as Low's stable next to Lane's house. Lane lost 200 copies of Gloucester Lithography at Procter Bros.

PDF
view ]
manuscript
Complete Subscription List and Mailing for "Castine, From Hospital Island," 1855
1855
Handwritten list
Wilson Museum, Castine, Maine (A00787-1a-1d)
manuscript
Subscription List and Mailing for "Castine, From Hospital Island" 1855
Nelson, Horatio
Wilson Museum, Castine, Maine
A00787-1c
publication
Undated clipping
1892?
Newspaper clipping in "Authors and Artists "scrapbook
p.42
Cape Ann Museum Library & Archive

This painting was considered by far the best of the several paintings by Fitz H. Lane and was a view of Gloucester from Rocky Neck at the time Mr. Lane painted it in 1856. From this painting Mr. Lane had finished a number of lithographs which were sold at a very low price. This did not bring to Mr. Lane much ready money and he was somewhat disappointed so he mounted several of these on canvas, painted them in oil and sold them to several of his friends for $25 and there are a number of these at present held in Gloucester and valued very highly.

The original painting was given to the town about the time the new town house was built and was put on the wall back of the stage in the large hall. When the building was found to be on fire it was impossible to get into the big hall to save anything and so this picture was destroyed. It was a genuine regret that this happened because of its historic value and being considered as the best work that Mr. Lane had done. A study of the pictures finished by Mr. Lane from this original is very interesting and particularly by reason of the type of fishing vessel and shipping in the harbor. In the foreground of the painting is a fine type of the Surinamers of those days which sailed out of Gloucester and brought wealth to many Gloucester families.

Citation: "Historical Materials." Fitz Henry Lane Online. Cape Ann Museum. http://fitzhenrylaneonline.org/historical_material/index.php?type=§ion=Lithography+%28Sales+%26+Exhibitions%29 (accessed October 8, 2024).
Please note that the information on this and all pages is periodically reviewed and subject to change.
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