John Bachmann and the American Bird's Eye View Print.

The article discusses 19th-century German-American lithographer John Bachmann and his bird's eye illustrations of cities. The scarcity of biographical records for Bachmann is discussed, though his birth in Switzerland, early lithography in France, and move to New York City are described. His family and the involvement of his son John Jr. in the printmaking business are also discussed, along with the technique of constructing bird's eye views (also called aerial or balloon views). Images are presented of his city views of Zurich, Switzerland; Paris, France; New York City; and elsewhere.