Antique Philadelphia Second Bank Engraving Bartlett Greek Revival Gilt Frame For Sale

A distinctive piece of historic Philadelphia: “The United States Bank, Philadelphia,” after William Henry Bartlett and engraved by J. Tingle, presented in an unusually complementary gold-tone architectural frame.

The building pictured is Philadelphia’s Second Bank of the United States on Chestnut Street, now home to the Portrait Gallery at Independence National Historical Park. Its collection includes portraits of early American leaders by Charles Willson Peale and other notable artists.

Designed by William Strickland and built between 1819 and 1824, the bank remains one of Philadelphia’s landmark examples of Greek Revival architecture. This detailed view captures its monumental columned entrance alongside pedestrians, street vendors, and everyday activity in 19th-century Philadelphia.

THE FRAME MAKES THE PRESENTATION

The frame actively enhances the subject through its temple-like form. Its triangular pediment, classical columns, and decorative frieze echo the architecture of the bank within the image, creating a striking relationship between the artwork and its surround.

That architectural repetition gives the entire piece a sculptural presence: a classical building pictured within a classical architectural frame. It is an especially distinctive presentation for collectors of Philadelphia history, architectural prints, banking memorabilia, or unusual decorative frames. The frame’s maker and original pairing history have not been established.

PRINT AND LIKELY DATE

The print bears the credits “W. H. Bartlett” and “J. Tingle,” with the title “The United States Bank, Philadelphia.”

The view was first published in 1839 in connection with George Virtue’s American Scenery, issued in bound form beginning in 1840. This example appears consistent with a 19th-century impression, tentatively circa 1840–1850. The exact printing date and edition have not been confirmed.

Sold as the complete framed piece pictured.

CONDITION

Frame has paint and gold-tone finish loss as pictured, along with surface wear, scratches, cracking, and visible gaps at some joints. The engraving has foxing and age-related discoloration as pictured. Please examine all photographs closely for the condition of both the print and frame.