Chicago as it Was

Chicago as it Was — a backward glance at the prairie city before the fire and the steel, rendered in the wistful idiom of a lithograph that knew it was already documenting a place lost to its own ambition. The title alone admits the verdict: Chicago had become something else. About the Source Bella Frye sources artifacts from the great American historical archive — the Library of Congress, the National Archives, regional historical societies, and the lithographic publishers (Currier & Ives, Kurz & Allison, Endicott, Sarony, Prang) who documented the republic from its founding through the early twentieth century. The aged paper tone, the engraver's hand, and the original plate annotations are preserved in the print. Materials & Finish Printed to order in our Pacific Northwest studio on premium 380gsm cotton canvas with archival pigment inks. Hand-finished and framed in our signature ornate frame with verdigris corner detail, available in three finishes: Ebony — deep black with carved ornate detailing; dramatic against light walls Verdigris — aged copper-green with antique patina; the signature Bella Frye look Bourbon — warm walnut tone with ornate relief; rich and historically grounded Stretched canvas (frameless gallery wrap) is available for those who prefer a frameless presentation. Where It Belongs Libraries, studies, executive offices, and any space drawn to the great American century of industry and ornamentation. Pairs naturally with other documents from the Bella Frye Republic collection — political broadsides, presidential portraits, military scenes, and the artifacts of American memory. Premium 380gsm cotton canvas, archival pigment inks Three frame finishes: Ebony, Verdigris, Bourbon Stretched canvas option available Hand-finished in our Pacific Northwest studio Arrives ready to hang Free shipping on every order, ships next business day