The First Landing of the Pilgrims - Large framed print — Extraordinary quality — c1850

The Art of the Print explains the way in which this print was done using what they term the Victorian Mixed Method Engraving:

"Perhaps the most technically demanding form of original printmaking in the history of art, the Victorian mixed method engraving reached its pinnacle of virtuosity in the latter nineteenth century. During this time large engravings were created to hang in Victorian homes. Highly skilled engravers would often devote more than a full year’s labor to one of these large works of art, often combining mezzotinting, aquatint, stippling, engraving and etching on the same plate. Such is the case with this fine impression of 'The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers' which combines engraving with mezzotinting. No other form of intensive craftsmanship could produce such an outstanding variety of shades and tones as the mixed method engraving.

  

"These large Victorian era engravings are now very scarce. Nineteenth century framers had no knowledge of conservation methods and thus the majority of these valuable works of art have simply disappeared or have been unalterably stained and marred in their acidic matting and frames."

They conclude, "'The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers' represents both a large and scarce original example of early nineteenth century American engraving."