Antique 1857 Steel Engraving — "Putnam's Escape at Horse Neck" — After Alonzo Chappel, Published by Johnson, Fry & Co., New York
You are looking at an original 1857 steel engraving depicting one of the most celebrated acts of daring in the American Revolution — General Israel Putnam's legendary escape at Horse Neck, Connecticut.
The scene: On February 26, 1779, British dragoons under the command of Colonel Tarleton surprised General Putnam and his troops at Greenwich (Horse Neck), Connecticut. Putnam, then 61 years old, mounted his horse and rode at full gallop down a steep, rocky hillside that the pursuing British cavalry refused to follow. He escaped unharmed. The story became an instant legend of Revolutionary courage and quick thinking, and Alonzo Chappel's painting — reproduced here — captures the heart-stopping moment of the descent, with the British horsemen visible on the ridge above, unable to follow.
The engraving shows Putnam in full military uniform, sword in hand, urging his horse down the rocky slope through smoke and brush. The detail is extraordinary — the texture of the horse's coat, the expression on Putnam's face, the chaos of the pursuing cavalry on the ridge above. This is a masterwork of 19th-century steel engraving.
The publisher line beneath the image reads:"From the original picture by Chappel in the possession of the Publishers / Johnson, Fry & Co. Publishers, New York"
Copyright line: "Entered according to act of Congress A.D. 1857, by Johnson, Fry & Co. in the clerks office of the district court of the southern dist. of N.Y."
This print was produced by Johnson, Fry & Co. after the original painting by Alonzo Chappel (1828–1887), the foremost American historical painter of the 19th century. Johnson/Fry prints are among the most collected American historical engravings, and the action scene subjects — like this one — are significantly rarer and more sought-after than the standard portrait plates.
Condition: Very Good antique condition. The engraved image is crisp, clean, and fully intact with strong contrast throughout. Paper shows light age toning consistent with 19th-century stock. No significant foxing, tears, or losses. Displays beautifully as-is or would be stunning properly matted and framed.
What you receive: The original antique engraving only. Not framed. Genuine 1857 print.
Measures 8" x 11". Ships flat between rigid cardboard, fully insured.
An exceptional piece for collectors of American Revolutionary War history, military art, or anyone who appreciates the extraordinary craftsmanship of 19th-century steel engraving. Action scenes from the Chappel/Johnson Fry series are significantly rarer than the portrait plates and command a premium accordingly.