Name/Title
THE HUDSON CHRISTMAS GREETINGSEntry/Object ID
L.2012.141 a-kDescription
This unusual set of cards combines two themes: Christmas greetings and a virtual tour of the Hudson River. Each of the nine cards illustrates and describes a different scene along the river and bears a holiday greeting. Published by Opbacher Brothers, this set represents an example of the novelties that publishers produced in the mid-to-late 19th century with chromolithograph color technology for the American market. A set like this one combined education and sentiment, as well as capitalizing on the holiday card market which was thriving by the late 19th century.
Packet of nine Christmas cards with Hudson River scenes: all nine cards have a central image delineated by thin gold line, title, description of scene, Christmas greeting, "COPYRIGHT 1887" printed a bottom left, "1573" printed at bottom center, "BY OPBACHER BROTHERS. N.Y.", gold edge and image on verso of boats on water.
a. Front and sides of packet envelope; image of river, mountains, train tracks, and trees and grass; at top left (in arc) printed: "Christmas Greetings"; at center right, printed: "The Hudson"; at bottom center, printed: "No 1573", "Published by OBPACHER BROTHERS", "NEW-YORK & MUNICH."
b. Back piece of envelope
c. Card: river and mountains in fall; setting sun; at top left, printed: "NORTH-WEST FROM PEEKSKILL."
d. Card: sailboats at river narrows; island in river; at right, printed: "ENTRANCE TO THE HIGHLANDS. THE DUNDERBERG AND ANTHONY'S NOSE."
e. Card: sailboats on river at Palisades; at top left, printed: "THE PALISADES."
f. Card: tomb on hill overlooking river; at top left, printed: "TOMB OF GENERAL GRANT RIVERSIDE PARK."
g. Card: train tracks at river's edge; mountain rises at center; low clouds; at top left, printed: "MOUNT TAURUS AND BREAKNECK."
h. Card: cannon in field overlooking river; mountain rises from river at center; at top left, printed: "LOOKING SOUTH FROM WEST POINT."
i. Card: buildings on mountainside overlooking river; steamboat at river's edge; at top left, printed: "WEST POINT."
j. Card: stream in forest; mountains; at top left, printed: "HEADWATERS OF THE HUDSON ADIRONDACKS."
k. Card: ice boats with sails on frozen river; mountain in distance; at top left, printed: "ICE YACHTING OFF CRO' NEST MT.".Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownAttribution
ArtistManufacturer
Obpacher BrothersDate made
1887Dimensions
Dimension Description
c-k. cardsHeight
4-5/16 inWidth
5-13/16 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 4 5/16 x 5 13/16 in. (11 x 14.8 cm)Dimension Description
b. back section of envelopeHeight
4-9/16 inWidth
6 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 4 9/16 x 6 in. (11.6 x 15.2 cm)Dimension Description
a. front, sides, and top of envelopeHeight
4-3/4 inWidth
6-1/8 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 4 3/4 x 6 1/8 in. (12.1 x 15.6 cm)Condition
Notes
Remarks: a): envelope for packet of cards is torn and in two pieces; front section is lightly soiled with tears at top, left, and right folds; b): back envelope section; loss at bottom corners; fold at top right corner; soiled; c): light grey marks at text in lower right; d): stain (dot) at center of left edge; f): verso: stain (dots) at center of right edge; h): ding at top right corner; i): verso: yellow stains (dots) at top center, bottom left, and right edge at center and bottom; j): verso: yellow stains (dots) at center; k): light stain (dot) at lower right.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
William DieboldNotes
Former ownerGeneral Notes
Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
This object was accessioned in 2012, but it was acquired earlier [Jessa J. Krick, 4/12/2012].Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Administrative Office, Archive Room, Shelf O3, B6Note Type
DepartmentNote
Library