Railroad Bridge Print Appraisal

Edward Brewer 1948 Print of the Hannibal Diagonal Bridge

This item is a framed print or lithograph, signed 'Edward Brewer 48', depicting a prominent historical bridge scene. The artwork features the distinctive Diagonal Bridge in Hannibal, Missouri, with its unique corkscrew approach ramp, a design necessitated by the steep bluffs along the Mississippi River. The print showcases a bustling scene with various modes of transportation; a steamboat with a smoking smokestack is visible on the river, horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles are seen traversing the bridge and its approaches, and a lone bicyclist is also depicted on the spiral ramp. The color palette is somewhat muted, dominated by blues, greens, and browns, typical of late 19th to early 20th-century landscape prints. The overall style suggests a nostalgic or historical rendering, possibly a recreation of an earlier period given the date of 1948 on the signature, which is well after the bridge's construction. The print is housed in a substantial wooden frame with a visible wood grain and a slightly carved or molded profile. The frame appears to be in good condition with minor wear consistent with its age, though specific damage is not clearly discernible from the images provided. The print itself appears to be generally well-preserved, though some subtle fading or discoloration over time may be present, common for vintage paper items. No distinct tears, creases, or major imperfections are visible on the print. The craftsmanship of the print is good, capturing fine details of the bridge's structure, the vehicles, and the surrounding landscape.