Lithographs published by the firm of Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives, active from 1835 to 1907, are highly collectible. These prints, often depicting idealized scenes of American life, including winter landscapes, rural settings, and historical events, were originally sold inexpensively and intended for a broad audience. Bound collections of these prints, sometimes assembled by the publishers themselves, sometimes by later collectors, are particularly sought after by enthusiasts and researchers.
These volumes offer valuable insights into 19th-century American visual culture, providing a glimpse into the popular imagery and values of the time. Their enduring popularity stems from both their artistic merit and their historical significance as documents of a bygone era. Preserved within these collections is a record of evolving printing techniques, as well as changing social and aesthetic preferences. The condition, rarity, and subject matter of the prints contained within influence their value.
