Fine Books & Manuscripts

GRANT, Ulysses S. (1822–1885). –– MARSHALL, William Edgar, artist (1837–1906). A Most Masterly Work of Art: The Standard Steel Line Portrait of Gen. U. S. Grant…[prospectus]. Grand Rapids: H. G. Allen Publishing Co., n.d. [ca. 1885]. 8vo (229 x 152 mm), 4 pp. Printed bifolium prospectus. (Central fold visible, outer margins browned on p. 1). A RARE ENGRAVING PROSPECTUS advertising for a line engraved portrait of Grant in military uniform by the American painter and the “Prince of Line Engravers”, William Edgar Marshall, and could be obtained in three different printing states: Artist’s Proofs signed by the artist ($20.00), India Proofs ($10.00), and Plain Proofs ($5.00). The prospectus reprints an article from Boston’s Watchman newspaper which explains the superiority of line engravings over mezzotint or stipple engravings processes and with testimonials from ex–President Rutherford B. Hayes and other notable American statesmen. OCLC locates only one copy at the Ohio History Connection.