A. G. Van Nostrand Bunker Hill Breweries, Charlestown, Mass. Chromolithography on Paper
Lithographer: Geo. S. Harris & Sons, N.Y.
Date of manufacture: Circa 1899
Image dimensions: 21”w x 30”h Overall dimensions including frame: 30”w x 40.5”h
This lithograph served as a hang-up calendar. The colors are very striking with the green dress and shadow maroon colors around the woman contrasting with the surrounding gold color. The graphic appeal is extremely high.
The lithographer, Geo. S. Harris and Sons, was one of the first in the 1890s to produce more sophisticated products using gold foil and complex embossing techniques. The material for this lithograph has the appearance of more texture than typical paper, having a checkered canvas look. Bunker Hill Breweries was established in 1821 and was operated by William Van Nostrand as early as 1860. The brewery operated until 1934 (interrupted by Prohibition). The current owner acquired the lithograph from a prominent New England collector who owned it for approximately 25 years and bought it from an antique dealer in Cranston, Rhode Island. The antique dealer reportedly purchased it out of a garage that was owned by Emil Shierholz who was a manager for Narragansett.
The condition of the lithograph is outstanding and almost entirely original, retaining its metal bands at top and bottom. NOTE: there is small, about dime sized area of probable restoration in the black above the woman's head. It does not detract from the image in the least. The frame and glass are not original, however they are antique from the appropriate period of the late 1890s to early 1900s. These photos fail to capture the depth of color of this piece and display distortion not actually visible on the lithograph. Please preview at live event for a better appreciation of the beauty and detail of this lithograph.
This lithograph is a fine example of high quality and graphic lithography and no other examples, in any condition, are known to us.