Antique 1863 Steel Engraving — “Israel Putnam” Equestrian Portrait — After Alonzo Chappel, Published by Johnson, Fry & Co., New York

You are looking at an original 1863 steel engraving of General Israel Putnam — one of the most celebrated heroes of the American Revolution — depicted in a full equestrian portrait on horseback in his Continental Army uniform.

Who was Israel Putnam? “Old Put,” as his men called him, was one of the most colorful and beloved figures of the Revolution. A veteran of the French and Indian War, he became famous for the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he reportedly gave the order “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” He later became legendary for his daring escape at Horse Neck, Connecticut, riding his horse at full gallop down a rocky cliff to escape British cavalry. He was 61 years old at the time. Putnam was a man of extraordinary physical courage and a genuine hero to his generation.

The engraving shows Putnam in full Continental Army uniform, mounted on a dark horse in a landscape setting. The detail is exceptional — the texture of the horse’s coat, the military uniform, the landscape background with rolling hills and trees. This is one of the finest equestrian portraits in the entire Chappel/Johnson Fry series.

Publisher line: “From the original Picture by Chappel in the possession of the Publishers / Johnson, Fry & Co Publishers, N.Y.”

Copyright line: “Entered according to act of Congress A.D. 1863, by Johnson, Fry & Co. in the clerks office of the district court of the southern district of N.Y.”

This print was produced by Johnson, Fry & Co. after the original painting by Alonzo Chappel (1828–1887), from their landmark National Portrait Gallery of Eminent Americans series.

Condition: Good antique condition. The engraved image is clean, crisp, and fully intact with strong contrast — no foxing, staining, or damage within the image area. The print sheet itself has a clean, straight left edge. The ragged material visible along the left side in photos is the original binding stub — extra paper from the spine attachment of the original bound volume — and is not damage to the print. This can be trimmed or folded behind the sheet when framing, and would be completely hidden under a standard mat. Please review all condition photos carefully before purchasing.

What you receive: The original antique engraving only. Not framed. Genuine 1863 print.

Ships flat between rigid cardboard, fully insured.