HARPERS WEEKLY

Harper's Weekly was the most popular American newspaper of the 1800’s, most famous for its pictures of the Civil War.  Harpers Weekly, also known as “A Journal of Civilization” was based in New York City and published by Harper & Brothers from 1857 through 1916.  

Harper's Weekly was the first newspaper to include actual images along with text, allowing the readership to see pictures from the battlefield, including maps and key figures from the Civil War.  This was accomplished by sending artists as well as reporters to the front lines documenting the war through both text and artist renderings. Through a fascinating process, small sections of these sketches were carved into 2” wood blocks by a number of craftsmen and then attached to make a master stamp to be printed on the newspaper.  Using numerous carvers allowed the paper to print many historic images making Harpers Weekly the definitive authority on the Civil War.  

Many of the most famous illustrators of the 19th century got their start illustrating for Harpers Weekly, including cartoonist Thomas Nast, Winslow Homer, Grandville Perkins and Livingston Hopkins, to name a few.  Their illustrations have become quite collectible and historic pieces of art. 


Select from the titles below to view our offering of antique prints  from Harpers Weekly.  Use the search window to find any specific keywords of interest.  Please check back often for we are adding to our inventory daily.