Birch, William "Arch Street Ferry, Philadelphia"

William Birch (1755-1834).  “Arch Street Ferry, Philadelphia.” From The City of Philadelphia.  Philadelphia: William Birch, [1799]-1800.  First edition.  Approx. 9 x 11 ½ (image). Engraving.  Hand color. Light scattered foxing in image. Acidic top map. White acid free bottom mat.  Not examined out of frame.  Sold as is.  Print is in need of professional paper conservation which will make it more visually appealing and increase its value. A/A When issued in 1800, William Birch’s prints of Philadelphia formed the first series of views of any American city.  As the first comprehensive picture of an American city, illustrating its buildings and street life, this work is of great historical importance.  The superior quality of the work is evidenced in its scope of conception, the artistic excellence of the prints, and their fine execution.  The prints provide a unique visual record of Philadelphia at a time when it was the most important and cosmopolitan city in the western hemisphere, an