Burning of the New York Crystal Palace, October 5th, 1858, During its Occupation for the Annual Fair of the American Institute

Inspired by the great success of London's 1851 Crystal Palace, the New York building, domed and built of cast-iron and glass in the shape of a Greek cross, was designed by Georg Carstensen and Charles Gildemeister to present America's international exhibition of arts and industries. Construction began October 30, 1852 on a site facing 6th Avenue, between 40th-42nd Streets (now Bryant Park). The opening took place July 14, 1853 with President Franklin Pierce in attendance. The spacious interior displayed over 1,000 exhibits (including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, manufactured goods, machines, scientific inventions, etc.) until the fair closed on November 1, 1854. Afterwards, the Crystal Palace remained as a place to present other fairs or to showcase the latest wares by manufacturers. Although the builders had boasted that the Crystal Palace was fireproof, on October 5th, 1858, a fire quickly spread and completely destroyed the structure. In this historical fire scene, a vast crowd in the foreground watches firefighters battle the massive blaze. The flames and black smoke partially obscure the United States flag atop the main dome.

Nathaniel Currier, who established a successful New York-based lithography firm in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life. Expansion led, in 1857, to a partnership with James Merritt Ives (1824–1895); the firm was subsequently renamed Currier & Ives. People eagerly acquired Currier & Ives lithographs, such as those featuring spectacular American landscapes, rural and city views, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments.