A hand tinted lithograph from the stone, after Thomas William Bowler (1812 – 1869). Bowler was a British landscape artist who for some years lived at the Cape of Good Hope. He is notable for having depicted some 35 years of the Cape’s history in landscapes and seascapes. ” The position of Lion’s Head will not be understood unless it is realised that the picture represents a circular panorama”(Bowler’s Student’s Handbook, pg. 64.) A rare and unique view of mid-nineteenth century Cape Town. “On July 11, 1853, Bowler asked for and received permission from the committee of the Commercial Exchange to exhibit a panoramic view of Cape Town in the commercial room.” “It was dedicated to the Lieut. Governor of the Colony, Charles Darling, and was “a complete and entire view embracing all that can be seen from near the upper part of the Kloof Road.” Subscribers paid one guinea for prints and £1 10s 0d for proofs, which were to be printed in chromo-lithography by Messrs. Day & Haghe of London.” “Fully a year later the lithographs were received in Cape Town and judged to be “faithful representation of the originals”. The sales of the print were slow and some three years later it was still being advertised on the back of Bowler’s Student’s Handbook. The “Toy Warehouse” in Shortmarket Street, with a keen eye to business, advertised maple wood frames with glass to fit the print. No mean feat as the size of the print is 46in x 9.5in! The size of the original is 84in x 18in. It belongs to Mr. W. Fehr and hangs in his collection at the Castle. At one point it belonged to Whitley Brothers, the booksellers of Rondebosch, who used to charge 1/- a time to see it.” (Thomas Bowler of the Cape of Good Hope by Edna and Frank Bradlow, A.A. Balkema, 1955, pg. 54.) Framed size 140 x 56cm. Laid down on board. Some closed tears and age related toning. Colour is bright. First edition. Condition: Good.
Publisher: Day and Son
Date Published: 1854
Publication Place: London
First Edition: Yes
Condition: Good.