The first large-format bird’s-eye view of New York, from Union Square

A spectacular elevated prospect of New York, looking south from above Union Square, detailing the horse-drawn traffic on Broadway and the shipping on the Hudson and East River. The large fountain in the square's park was fed by the Croton Viaduct, completed in 1842. It was 'Drawn from Nature and on Stone by C. Bachmann', likely to be a relative of the publisher, the more famous John Bachmann (1814-96). Born in Switzerland, John Bachmann worked as a lithographer in Switzerland and Paris before emigrating to America c.1847. He produced the first major series of bird's-eye views of American cities, including Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Havana as well as New York.