The First Prayer in Congress Print Value Guide

This 1848 engraving by H.S. Sadd, based on T.H. Matteson's painting, captures the First Continental Congress kneeling at Carpenters' Hall in 1774. It is a highly sought-after piece of Americana that symbolizes the intersection of early American patriotism and religious devotion.

What affects the value of The First Prayer in Congress Print?

• Physical condition of the paper, specifically the presence of water stains, heavy foxing, or significant tears in the margins.
• The presence of the original 19th-century wood and glass frame, which can add historical integrity and value.
• Clarity and contrast of the engraving, as crisp impressions from early plate runs are more desirable to collectors.
• Completeness of the margins, as prints that have been trimmed to fit smaller frames lose significant market value.

How to Identify The First Prayer in Congress Print?

• Verify the 'Engraved by H.S. Sadd' and 'Painted by T.H. Matteson' credits typically located along the bottom margin.
• Check for the specific 1848 publication date to distinguish original mid-19th-century prints from later 20th-century reproductions.
• Examine the paper for authentic 19th-century foxing or age-toning, which differs from the uniform coloring of modern reprints.
• Look for the detailed depictions of specific historical figures including George Washington and Patrick Henry in the kneeling assembly.

History of The First Prayer in Congress Print

This iconic scene, 'The First Prayer in Congress,' captures a pivotal moment in American history. Painted by T.H. Matteson and engraved by H.S. Sadd, it illustrates the delegates of the First Continental Congress, including George Washington and Patrick Henry, kneeling in prayer on September 7, 1774, at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia. This event symbolized the unity and resolve of the colonies as they sought divine guidance during a time of great political unrest. The image became a powerful symbol of American patriotism and religious devotion, widely reproduced throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.