The Sewer

William P. Chappel

1870s · Oil on slate paper · The American Wing

This scene of pristine streets appears quite charming, but in 1807 the intersection of Roosevelt and Oak probably looked (and smelled) less pleasant. The city’s patchwork of sewers were intended to divert excess water to the rivers. Some were open trenches, but others, like this one, were enclosed in an attempt to prevent the stagnant or slow-running water from festering under the sun. Yet the sewers’ lack of ventilation and tendency to back-up often led to foul odors and streets marinating in fetid water. Lucky for the gentleman (at left) and the sailor (at right) that the sidewalks are somewhat elevated!

Artist

William P. Chappel

Date

1870s

Medium

Oil on slate paper

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

The Edward W. C. Arnold Collection of New York Prints, Maps, and Pictures, Bequest of Edward W. C. Arnold, 1954