Philadelphia: P.S. Duval & Son, 1864. Chromolithograph, after James Queen. Mat burn; small loss in top right corner, not affecting image; scattered repairs and wear along edges; scattered spotting; stain in top center of image. 18 x 29 3/16 in. (457 x 741 mm). In mat and in frame. Deak 789; Wainwright 35

A scarce chromolithograph depicting the United States Sanitary Commission Fair in Philadelphia in 1864. “This view from the northwest corner of the square shows the extent of the fair’s buildings...In the left background is the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. This elaborate fair to raise money to
help the sick and wounded of the Army and Navy opened on June 7, 1864, and ran for three weeks. President Lincoln and his wife visited it on June 16.” (Wainwright)

The June 1864 fair was the most elaborate and successful held by the U.S. Sanitary Commission, with special buildings erected and designed by Strickland Kneass. Among the attractions were the Department of Arms and Trophies, the Tobacco and Turkish Divan exhibit, and the Lingerie and Gentleman's Furnishing Department. "No less intriguing was the lithography display, housed next to the Perfumery Department. According to Stille, 'Most conspicuous was a Lithographic Press, from which copies of the exquisitely beautiful pictures of the buildings of the Fair were struck off. This wonderful specimen of chromolithography was printed in 9 colors, the last of which, in order to show the process, was put on by this press in the building itself. This picture was the production of the great establishment of Mr. P.S. Duval, and was furnished to the Fair by him at a nominal price. As a wonderful specimen of art, and a lasting memorial of the occasion, it was in great demand.'" (Deak)