Forest Scene on the Lehigh

In this idyllic river scene in Pennsylvania, nature prevails with tall, leafy trees (some reflected on the water), ducks swimming, and flocks of birds flying. Nathaniel Currier, who established a successful New York-based lithography firm in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life. In 1857, Currier made James Merritt Ives, his younger brother Charles's brother-in-law, a business partner; the firm was renamed Currier& Ives. People eagerly acquired Currier & Ives lithographs, such as those featuring picturesque landscapes, rural and city views, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. Frances Flora (Fanny) Palmer was one of the most important artists working for Nathaniel Currier, and later Currier and Ives, between 1849 and 1868, when she produced approximately 200 of the firm's best landscapes and most engaging scenes of daily life.