AFA 18th Anniversary

Apparently, Albert Conant commissioned Lane to produce this view of Norwich, Connecticut, in 1849, and then turned to a New York firm Sarony & Major to print the view in color. Napoleon Sarony was born in Quebec, but came to New York, where he learned lithography from Henry R. Robinson. He then worked for Nathaniel Currier, before creating his own firm with Henry B. Major, who had also worked for Currier. The firm began printing lithographs in color in the 1840s. This process is complex, requiring the use of multiple stones, and it is unlikely that Lane participated in this aspect of the production. The view of Norwich shows the head of the Thames River. Although not a coastal town, ships could make their way to Norwich and connect with railroads. 2018 Antiques & Fine Art 173 Steam Packet Mass. In a Squall, Nov. 10, 1845. Drawn by F. H. Lane. Lithograph by Lane & Scott’s Lithography, Boston, 1845-1846. Two-toned tinted lithograph on paper, 1013⁄16 x 153⁄16 in. Boston Athenaeum. Sea captain, ship owner, and merchant, Robert Bennet Forbes built the auxiliary steam packet ship Massachusetts in 1845 to move cargo between New York and Liverpool. Innovatively powered by both steam and wind, the ship was expected to set speed records, but was not very successful in that regard. Lane made two views of the vessel. One is a typical ship portrait, a genre that Lane explored in his oil paintings. This print shows the vessel caught in a storm in November of 1845 while returning to Boston from Liverpool. The rough sea, shredded sails, and lighting all add to the dramatic effect of the image. View of Norwich, from the West Side of the River . Drawn by F. H. Lane. Lithograph by Sarony & Major Lithography, New York. Published by A. Conant, 1849. Colored lithograph on paper, 11¾ x 16½ inches. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum; Gift of Edward L. Stone (1972). Conservation funded by Wendy Shadwell’s Bequest to the American Historical Print Collectors Society.