Antique 1848 Currier Drunkards Progress First Glass to the Grave Lithograph

Description

Mid 19th century colored lithograph print titled "The Drunkards Progress: From the First Glass to the Grave," showing step by step the slippery slope of addiction to alcohol, arching over the tableau of a weeeping wife and child. Lithographed and published by Nathaniel Currier, 1848. Green painted round beveled frame with gilt beaded edges; gray mat.

Nathaniel Currier (March 27, 1813 – November 20, 1888) was an American lithographer. Currier was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, to Nathaniel and Hannah Currier. He attended public school until age fifteen, when he was apprenticed to the Boston printing firm of William and John Pendleton. The Pendletons were the first successful lithographers in the United States, lithography having only recently been invented in Europe. Currier learned the process in their shop. In 1833, he subsequently went to work for M. E. D. Brown in Philadelphia, in 1833. The following year, in 1834, Currier moved to New York City, where he intended to start a new business with John Pendleton but Pendleton backed out, and the new firm became Currier & Stodart and lasted only one year. In 1835, Currier started his own lithographic business as an eponymous sole proprietorship, initially engaged in standard lithographic business of printing sheet music, letterheads, handbills, and other publishing-related products. In 1840, Currier began to move away from job printing and into independent print publishing. In 1850, James Ives went to work for Currier's firm as bookkeeper. Ives' skills as a businessman and marketer contributed significantly to the growth of the company; in 1857 he was made a full partner, and the company became known as Currier & Ives. Currier & Ives are best known as creators of popular art prints, such as Christmas scenes, landscapes, or depictions of Victorian urban sophistication; however, the firm also produced political cartoons and banners, significant historical scenes, and further illustrations of current events. Over the decades, the firm created roughly 7,500 images. Currier retired from his firm in 1880, and turned the business over to his son Edward." (Source: Wikipedia)

Condition

Good Overall - Some discoloration to paper; gentle wear to frame

Dimensions

17.75" x 1.75" x 16" / Sans Frame - 8.75" x 6.25" (Width x Depth x Height)