John Bachmann. Panorama of the Seat of War. Birds Eye View of Texas and Part of Mexico. ...
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Description
John Bachmann. Panorama of the Seat of War. Birds Eye View of Texas and Part of Mexico. New York: John Bachmann, 1861. Hand-colored lithograph, 29 1/2 x 23 inches (sight), matted and framed to an overall size of 37 1/2 x 31 inches.This very scarce plate from Bachmann's series of Civil War panoramas features the southern coast of Texas from a bird's eye view, a novel method of mapmaking in its time. Though it contains a small handful of inaccuracies (including the misplacement of "Austin City" on the Guadalupe rather than the Colorado River), it was widely admired for its detailed depiction of the region's cities, waterways, and harbors presented from a dramatic and unique perspective. Stephenson notes that, following Bachmann's publications, "the panoramic map in fact became a popular and effective technique for conveying information about the Civil War...These visually attractive panoramas were easily understood and perhaps more meaningful to a public largely unskilled in map reading."
The Birds Eye View of Texas and Part of Mexico is perhaps the rarest of Bachmann's Seat of War lithographs. We located only five examples at auction between 1994 and 2023, and OCLC records just one institutional copy, held at the University of Michigan. An important piece of Texan and American history, offering a compelling view of the Gulf region at the outbreak of the Civil War.
Condition: Not examined out of frame. Minor cockling. Light, vertical toned line at center, and a few light, scattered stains. A few very minor spots of foxing.
Reference: Rumsey 3713; Stevenson 446.8.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
January
26th
Monday
Auction Dates
February
26th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
23 Days
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Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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