Quebec City Engraving Appraisal

View from the Citadel of Quebec Antique Engraving

This item is an antique hand-colored steel engraving titled 'View from the Citadel of Quebec', likely a mid-19th-century print based on a drawing by artist William Henry Bartlett. The artwork depicts a panoramic topographical view of Quebec City, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding landscape from an elevated fortification. The central composition features various sailing vessels on the water, detailed military figures on the ramparts in the foreground, and the iconic architectural skyline of the lower town. The print is rendered in a Romantic topographical style, characteristic of early Victorian era travel publications. It is professionally housed in a multi-layered presentation: an inner double mat with a sage-green bevel, an antique-white primary mat, and a dark wood frame with a beaded inner edge and a gilded silver-tone sight edge. Physical condition shows visible age-related darkening of the paper (foxing or toning) and several scuff marks along the wooden frame's perimeter, indicating some wear to the finish. The text below the image includes the title in a cursive script and likely credits the engraver and publisher, identifying it as a historical document of Canadian colonial life. The craftsmanship of the engraving demonstrates fine line work and delicate color washes applied to highlight the sky and water.