Rural America Art Appraisal

Rural American Landscape Lithograph (Probably 'The Valley of Wyoming')

The item is a framed lithograph depicting a bustling rural American landscape scene. The primary colors are various shades of blue and gray, suggesting it might be a hand-colored or tinted print, possibly a tintype, or a very early color print. The scene is rich with detail, showing a large white multi-story building, likely a hotel or inn, surrounded by people, horses, and carriages. In the background, rolling hills or mountains are visible, and closer to the left, a train with a smoking locomotive and several cars traverses the landscape. There are several smaller buildings, possibly farmhouses or outbuildings, along the train tracks. Numerous individuals are depicted engaging in various activities, and cows are seen grazing in a field. The overall aesthetic is characteristic of 19th-century American genre scenes, often published by firms like Currier & Ives. The print itself appears to be aged, with visible discoloration (yellowing/browning) of the paper, consistent with its age. Some areas show a bluish-green tint, particularly in trees and distant landscapes, which is commonly associated with early lithographic coloring. The margins of the print may be obscured by the frame, but some text, possibly a title or publisher's mark, is faintly visible in the lower right corner, though indecipherable from the image quality. The print is housed in a substantial wooden frame, likely oak or a similar hardwood, with a reddish-brown stain and a visible wood grain. The frame features a simple, slightly beveled profile. The condition of the frame appears good, with minor wear consistent with age and handling. The glass protecting the print is clear. The visible details suggest a mid-to-late 19th-century American print, capturing a slice of life from that era. The depiction's detail and the presence of both horse-drawn carriages and a train emphasize a transitional period in transportation and rural development.