St. Louis’ Defining Moments in 19th Century Prints
Founded in 1764 as a French fur-trading village, St. Louis is a city with a colorful and vibrant history. In the mid-1800s, the city endured a number of catastrophes, including a cholera epidemic, the Great Fire of 1849 and the Great Tornado of 1896. Despite these disasters and the destruction to the St. Louis riverfront, the city saw industrial growth and became known as the Gateway to the West. As the community expanded, St. Louisans enjoyed celebrating the modern day pleasures of 19th century life, such as the popular steamboat races on the Mississippi.
Included in our April 7 St. Louis Spring Auction is a local private collection of rare 19th century prints depicting the city during these defining moments. The collection was acquired by the present owner from Louis Daniel Brodsky of St. Louis, Missouri (in 2015 Leslie Hindman Auctioneers sold the Art Nouveau collection of Mr. Brodsky.) Represented in the first 18 lots of the sale are rare, hand-colored lithographs and engravings as well as original black and white issues, all framed and matted. Estimates range from $300-500 to $5,000-7,000.
Highlights of the collection include two Leopold Gast and Bro. engravings illustrating the ramifications of the Great Fire of 1849 and the rebuild efforts that followed as well as a Kurz & Allison lithograph sensationalizing the Great Tornado of 1896. Seven Currier & Ives lithographs will also be offered including images of steamboat races and bird’s eye views of the city.
In addition to this exciting collection, the St. Louis Spring Auction offers over 300 lots of modern design furniture, including Eames chairs and pieces by Eero Saarinen, Herman Miller and Knoll, contemporary art, early 20th century St. Louis artists, silver flatware, continental decorative art objects and garden statuary. The exhibition opens April 3 in the Clayton saleroom at 32 North Brentwood Blvd.
Preview Times:
Monday, April 3, 10am – 5pm
Tuesday, April 4, 10am – 5pm
Wednesday, April 5, 10am – 5pm
Thursday, April 6, 10am – 5pm
Auction:
Friday, April 7, 10am