KARL BODMER. TOWER-ROCK ON THE MISSISSIPPI, BEAVER HUT ON THE MISSOURI, CAVE-IN-ROCK OHIO, PUNKA INDIANS MISSOURI

Four hand-coloured aquatint engraving by John Outhwaite after Bodmer, blindstamp, issue with no date after English imprint, Paris, Coblentz and London: [1839-1842]. Each framed in bird's-eye maple, gold liner, French mat. lot includes: Tower-Rock view on the Mississippi — Punka Indians camped on the banks of the Missouri — Beaver Hut on the Missouri — Cave-In-Rock. View on the Ohio each sheet approximately: 572 by 635 mm  22 1/2 by 25 in

Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Americana Collection

Cave-In-Rock. view on the Ohio. Paris: issue with one figure at the rail on the right hand side of the deck of the paddle-steamer, extensive use of aquatint on the river and scrub and small trees next to the boat on the far right.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Bodmer and Prince Maximilian set out for St. Louis from Mount Vernon on 18 March 1833 making their way rapidly down the River Ohio and joining the Mississippi on 20 March. On the afternoon of 21 March 1833 their steamer approached a feature known as the Grand Tower (or Tower-Rock), which Maximilian described as an isolated drum-like formation between sixty and eighty feet high. He added that "Mr.Bodmer sketched the Grand Tower and found this place highly interesting and picturesque." The scene includes the traveller's Ohio paddle-steamer and three Mississippi keel-boats, a form of freight transportation that by the 1830s was fast being replaced by the steamers.