Plaine de West Point au moment de l'exercice

Paris & London: Ardit & Coindet, 1830. A handsome color lithograph of West Point with soldiers at drill, looking north over the plain, from Jacques Milbert's superlative collection of views entitled "Itineraire Pittoresque du Fleuve Hudson et des Parties Laterales de l'Amerique du Nord...". Milbert, who trained as an engineer, came to the United States in 1815 and stayed for 7 years. As drawing was a compulsory part of any engineers training, he was to show his talent in the quality of the 53 views he made of places he visited. They form one of the most accurate portrayals of the Northeast in the period. They are also an early example of the use of lithography for topographical prints. 'As an artist, Milbert loved to paint American landscapes, particularly those which showed the Hudson, "King of Rivers," flowing majestically through the mountains .... The pictures of what he saw, as of the time he drew them, constitute a unique and valuable record.' ((Sherman, 'A French Explorer in the Hudson Valley').
Titles in French, English, Latin and German. Lithograph with later hand color, slightly toned, otherwise very good condition. 12 1/2 x 9 3/4", matted and framed archivally, in gold gilt rope molding wood frame, measuring 21x18 1/2"