Framed Antique Print The Great Bridge Fireworks And Illumination

Framed Antique Print: "The Great Bridge - Fireworks And Illumination" (Harper's Weekly)

Item: #4327

Capture a dazzling piece of New York City history with this elegant, wood-framed engraving from Harper's Weekly. Titled "The Great Bridge-Fireworks And Illumination, From The Brooklyn Side," this stunning illustration was drawn by the renowned artist Charles Graham.

This piece is beautifully matted and set within a classic wood frame, making it a perfect addition to any study, office, or living space for lovers of American history and antique media.

(Note: While the provided catalog text labels this as "1880," Volume XXVII, No. 1380 of Harper's Weekly was actually published in June 1883, directly following the bridge's grand opening).

Specifications

• Publication: Harper's Weekly (Volume XXVII, No. 1380, Page 344)

• Artist: Charles Graham

• Frame Dimensions: 15 1/4" L x 20" W (1" thick frame)

• Matting: 2 1/2"

• Print Dimensions: 9 1/2" L x 14.5" W

• Material: Wood frame, matted antique paper print

History of "The Great Bridge" Fireworks

The illustration depicts the spectacular grand opening of the Brooklyn Bridge—originally referred to as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, or simply "The Great Bridge."

The event took place on May 24, 1883, marking the completion of what was then the longest suspension bridge in the world. The celebration was one of the largest public gatherings in New York's history up to that point.

Here is a brief look at the pyrotechnic marvel of that night:

• A Massive Display: The fireworks display was orchestrated by James Paine, a famous pyrotechnician of the era. Over 14 tons of fireworks were staged on the bridge itself.

• The Spectacle: Starting at 8:00 PM, the sky above the East River was illuminated by 10,000 rockets, Roman candles, bombshells, and cascading fountains of fire. The display lasted for over an hour.

• Electric Illumination: Aside from the explosives, the bridge was brilliantly illuminated by 70 to 80 electric arc lamps. Electric lighting was still a tremendous novelty in 1883, and the glowing span across the river left the crowds awestruck.

• The Crowd: An estimated 150,000 people crossed the bridge on its opening day, while countless thousands more packed the shores of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and crowded onto boats in the East River to witness the night-time spectacle captured in this very print.