Birds Eye View of Lake Manhattan and Old Reservoir Central Park

New York: Major & Knapp, 1869. Lithograph. Image measures 8" x 10 3/4".

This lithograph, made for D.T. Valentine's "Manual of the Common Council of the City of New York", depicts the Old Reservoir in Central Park as it was in the mid-19th century, as well as Lake Manhattan. In very good condition, with one small closed tear, and minor dampstaining to lower margin - not affecting the image. Creases along original fold lines.

David Thomas Valentine (1801-1869) served as the Deputy to the Clerk of the Common Council for thirty-seven years and began publishing the "Manual for the Corporation of the City of New York" in 1841. The (truncated) Manuals were directories of extensive historical and contemporary records of New York that included facts about the City of New York, city history, city council information, and reported on the progress of public works such as Central Park. Popularly called Valentine's Manuals, the texts were richly illustrated with maps, lithographs, and engravings. This view provides a fascinating look at New York City. (Inventory #: 328204)