Panoramic View of Cologne (Germany), c. 1900 – Rare Color Lithograph on Glass, Grand Tour...
A wide and striking panorama of the city of Cologne on the Rhine (Germany), bearing the original title "Panorama von Köln a. Rh".
The piece was produced using the complex technique of multi-layer color lithographic printing directly onto glass (Glass Lithograph). This technology, which represented the pinnacle of German graphic printing of its era, lends the image a distinctive three-dimensional depth, exceptional color vibrancy, and a unique brilliance under reflected light.
The panoramic illustration offers a detailed and richly rendered view of the bustling River Rhine, featuring rowing boats, historic steam vessels, and antique quayside cranes. On the city's skyline, the celebrated Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) rises prominently on the right in its full splendor, alongside the historic pontoon bridge that once spanned the river at that time.
In the upper left corner appears the original inscription in golden lettering: "Panorama von Köln a. Rh".
Fixed to the lower front of the frame is an original brass plaque bearing the inscription: "Andenken an Cöln a. Rh" (Souvenir of Cologne on the Rhine), in the old German spelling (Cöln with the letter C).
Set in a heavy, quality period oak frame with a rich wood-grain texture, with inner borders in a deep bottle-green tone framing the glass.
This piece constitutes a fascinating testament to the golden age of European tourism and the fashion of the "Romantic Rhine journey." Glass souvenirs of this type were costly luxury items produced in limited editions for a wealthy and aristocratic traveling public (Grand Tour souvenir).
Beyond its artistic merit, it represents a rare topographical record of the Cologne skyline prior to World War II. The piece depicts the pontoon bridge and numerous architectural structures along the riverbank that were entirely destroyed in wartime bombing and never reconstructed.
The print and glass are in very good condition: the colors are rich, with no significant peeling or cracks in the glass. The original wooden frame is stable and very solid, with light, authentic signs of age that add to the character and charm of the piece. (Viewing all photographs for full details is recommended.)
Dimensions: 45×12 cm.
Frame: 18×52 cm.
A wide and striking panorama of the city of Cologne on the Rhine (Germany), bearing the original title "Panorama von Köln a. Rh".
The piece was produced using the complex technique of multi-layer color lithographic printing directly onto glass (Glass Lithograph). This technology, which represented the pinnacle of German graphic printing of its era, lends the image a distinctive three-dimensional depth, exceptional color vibrancy, and a unique brilliance under reflected light.
The panoramic illustration offers a detailed and richly rendered view of the bustling River Rhine, featuring rowing boats, historic steam vessels, and antique quayside cranes. On the city's skyline, the celebrated Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) rises prominently on the right in its full splendor, alongside the historic pontoon bridge that once spanned the river at that time.
In the upper left corner appears the original inscription in golden lettering: "Panorama von Köln a. Rh".
Fixed to the lower front of the frame is an original brass plaque bearing the inscription: "Andenken an Cöln a. Rh" (Souvenir of Cologne on the Rhine), in the old German spelling (Cöln with the letter C).
Set in a heavy, quality period oak frame with a rich wood-grain texture, with inner borders in a deep bottle-green tone framing the glass.
This piece constitutes a fascinating testament to the golden age of European tourism and the fashion of the "Romantic Rhine journey." Glass souvenirs of this type were costly luxury items produced in limited editions for a wealthy and aristocratic traveling public (Grand Tour souvenir).
Beyond its artistic merit, it represents a rare topographical record of the Cologne skyline prior to World War II. The piece depicts the pontoon bridge and numerous architectural structures along the riverbank that were entirely destroyed in wartime bombing and never reconstructed.
The print and glass are in very good condition: the colors are rich, with no significant peeling or cracks in the glass. The original wooden frame is stable and very solid, with light, authentic signs of age that add to the character and charm of the piece. (Viewing all photographs for full details is recommended.)
Dimensions: 45×12 cm.
Frame: 18×52 cm.
