The New St. Patrick's Cathedral Lithograph by Currier & Ives

This item is a 19th-century hand-colored lithograph titled 'The New St. Patrick's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, New York.' Published by the renowned firm Currier & Ives, this architectural print depicts the iconic Neo-Gothic cathedral designed by James Renwick Jr. The artwork features a detailed rendering of the cathedral's facade with its soaring twin spires against a dramatic, clouded sky. In the foreground, numerous figures and horse-drawn carriages illustrate the bustling urban life of New York City during the late 1800s. The print includes informative text at the bottom, noting facts such as the cornerstone laying date (August 15th, 1858) and various dimensions of the building, including the height of the spires (334 feet). Physically, the print is housed in a decorative, gilded wooden frame with a beaded inner border. The paper shows signs of age-appropriate toning and minor foxing, particularly visible in the sky and margin areas. There appears to be a slight crease or surface mark in the upper-center sky region. The color palette is composed of muted earth tones, blues, and grays, characteristic of hand-colored lithography from this era. This piece represents a significant historical document of New York's architectural history and is a classic example of American popular printmaking from the mid-to-late 19th century.

I have virtually examined this hand-colored lithograph, 'The New St. Patrick's Cathedral,' published by Currier & Ives. This print is a medium folio architectural study, a sub-genre that remains consistently popular among collectors of New York City history. The rendering of James Renwick Jr.'s Neo-Gothic masterpiece is sharp, and the hand-coloring appears contemporary to the printing, utilizing the characteristic palette of the late 19th century. Market conditions for Currier & Ives remain stable, though decorative value is currently driving the market more than scarcity for this specific architectural subject. Comparables for medium folio prints in similar condition typically hammer between $400 and $800 at specialized auctions. The value of this specific piece is slightly moderated by visible condition issues. My examination reveals age-appropriate toning, notable foxing in the sky and margins, and a vertical crease/surface mark in the upper-center. While the gilded frame adds decorative appeal, the presence of foxing suggests moisture exposure or acidic backing, which can degrade the paper over time. Authenticity appears consistent with a genuine 19th-century impression based on the typography and lithographic texture visible in the high-resolution image. However, a definitive attribution cannot be made through imagery alone. A physical inspection is required to verify the paper's watermark, measure the exact dimensions of the strike, and examine the cross-section of the ink under magnification to rule out modern photomechanical reproductions. I would also recommend opening the frame to inspect the margins for trimming and to ensure the piece is mounted using archival, acid-free materials.