1882: Central Park
This chromolithograph dates back to 1882 and captures a picturesque scene of Central Park in New York City. The illustration is a remarkable depiction of the park’s natural beauty, showcasing lush greenery, a tranquil lake, and a charming bridge in the background. The scene is populated with people enjoying the outdoors, highlighting the park’s role as a recreational space for the city’s residents since its inception in 1857, with the park’s designers recognizing the importance of providing spaces for relaxation and socialization.
The picnics take place alongside a lake. Originally known as the Central Park Reservoir, it was constructed between 1858 and 1862, spanning 106 acres. The reservoir was initially enclosed by a beautiful wrought iron fence, which was later replaced with a chain-link barrier in 1926. However, in 2003, the Central Park Conservancy restored the reservoir’s original wrought iron fence, which spans over 8,000 feet, enhancing the area’s aesthetics and historical charm.
In 1994, the reservoir was renamed in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady of the United States, who was known for her contributions to the arts, preservation, and culture. The reservoir, with a surface area of 106 acres and an average depth of 29 feet, holds approximately 3.8 million cubic meters of water. Visitors to Central Park can enjoy stunning views of the reservoir and New York City from its shores, making it a popular spot for leisure and recreation
The bridge in the background, known as the Bow Bridge, is a notable feature of the painting. The Bow Bridge is a stunning cast-iron structure, spanning 87 feet over the Lake and serving as a pedestrian walkway. It was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould and completed in 1862. The bridge is known for its graceful arc shape, which resembles that of an archer’s bow, and its incorporation of elements of Gothic, Neo-Classical, and Renaissance design. It is the oldest cast-iron bridge in Central Park and the second-oldest cast-iron bridge in the United States. The bridge’s walkway was originally constructed from ipe, a South American hardwood that turns a deep red when wet, but was replaced with more durable wood in January 2024 due to the massive amount of foot traffic it receives.
It has also provided a magnificent setting for numerous films, including “Manhattan,” “The Way We Were,” and “Keeping the Faith.” The bridge is a favorite among New Yorkers and tourists alike, offering a picturesque location to stop and enjoy a moment overlooking the row boats as they glide gently along the Lake, making it a popular location for wedding proposals, first dates, and stunning shots of the Fifth Avenue skyline.