Harbour and City of Monterey, California 1842 - Framed Engraving

This item is a framed monochrome engraving titled 'Harbour and City of Monterey, California 1842'. The print features a wide-angle maritime panoramic view of the Monterey bay, showcasing a cluster of mid-19th-century buildings along the shoreline, several tall-masted sailing vessels at anchor within the crescent-shaped harbor, and rolling coastal hills in the background. The engraving demonstrates meticulous line work, with fine cross-hatching and shading used to create depth in the water and texture in the landscape. The print is housed in a contemporary wooden frame with a medium brown finish. It is professionally matted with a dual-layered mat board, featuring a dark inner border that draws the eye toward the artwork. The title text is clearly printed in a stylized serif font in the lower margin. Regarding condition, the paper shows signs of light toning or age-related yellowing, which is typical for 19th-century lithographs or steel engravings. There are visible reflections on the glass, but the print surface appears flat without obvious foxing or water damage. A pink tag is visible on the right side of the glass, likely a lot or price marker. This piece serves as a significant historical record of California during the Mexican-American period, capturing the strategic harbor before the California Gold Rush.