2419

Virginia City, N.T. 1864, Grafton T. Brown Original Mines Lithograph, Framed [169385]

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Mining Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 45,000.00 USD
Virginia City, N.T. 1864, Grafton T. Brown Original Mines Lithograph, Framed  [169385]
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The original large format color lithograph by African-American artist Grafton T. Brown. Professionally and beautifully framed in black tones. Outer dimensions 43 x 54", inside mat dimensions 41 x 30". Excellent condition. "Drawn from nature by Grafton T. Brown."
Brown created two different views of the burgeoning Comstock in 1864, probably publishing both about the same time, as they both use the same centerpiece birds eye view of Virginia City and Mt. Davidson. Brown had published another view that was surrounded by the businesses of the Comstock in 1861, of which the center portion bids eye view was later published by John Howell of San Francisco.
The two 1864 lithographs are very different: one has the buildings of the town surrounding the birds eye view, and the other the mines and mills of the important mines. This view is of the mines. The view, from top left to right, then bottom left to right are: "Mill of the Ophir Silver Mining Co.", Woodworth Mill (Ophir SMC); Gould & Curry Mill (most expensive mill ever built to that time); Hoisting works of the Potosi MC; Hoisting works of the Bullion MC". Bottom row, l to r: "hoisting works of the Mexican"' Mill of the Mexican; Hoisting Works of the Chollar MC (Chollar mansion, still exists and is shown here); Hoisting works of the Savage MC.
The lithograph is exceptionally rare, and has not come up for a public sale to our knowledge in over two decades/ The example shown in Chandler's excellent "African American Artist Grafton T Brown, 2014, p45 is heavily soiled and in poor condition. This copy is near-pristine! As restated by Chandler, from the Daily Alta: "The minuteness and fullness of detail gives proof that the drawing has been done very carefully." In his own advertising, Brown stated" he was offering Nevadans "views of mills, mines, business houses, and residences drawn in the finest style and accuracy."
This lithograph is a prize for any collector or gallery. And in all likelihood another will not arise for another twenty or thirty years. X-Franklin Collection. Virginia City Nevada 1864