Oil on canvas (lined), signed and dated lower lower left "S. W. Griggs 1874," housed in a very fine, period appropriate, gilt frame with composition ornament.

SS 42.5 x 42 5/8 in.; DOA 50.5 x 50 5/8

This painting depicts the famous Crawford Notch, favored by many White Mountain artists in the 19th century, including Thomas Cole, Thomas Hill, and Frank Shapleigh. This notch was first noted by poets and artists following the tragic demise of the Willey family in a landslide. Griggs chooses to depict the construction of the railroad which was opened in 1875, following the increase in White Mountain tourism. By this point, the pristine landscape has been penetrated by modern convenience as illustrated with a steam locomotive traveling along two tracks, a low bridge in the distance, and small figures and an outbuilding in the foreground. Griggs began his professional career as an architect in Boston before committed himself to art in 1854. He likely received instruction from Albert Bierstadt early in his career, Griggs completed numerous paintings of the White Mountains and exhibited at the Boston Art Club and Boston Athenaeum.

$1,000 - 3,000