GAST, John (1842–1896). Chase & Bachelder’s American Museum of Art. Nottingham: Stafford & Co., ca. 1890s. Color woodblock poster, announcing the opening of this new museum in England specializing in American art. 36 5/8 x 27 5/8”. The image is based on the 1872 painting “American Progress” by Gast. Shortly after the painting was created, George Crofutt made a chromolithograph of the image which was widely circulated. To sell his print, he described the image as follows: “a diaphanously and precariously clad America floats westward through the air with the “Star of Empire” on her forehead. She has left the cities of the East behind and the wide Mississippi, and still her course is Westward. In her right hand she carries a school book testimonial of the national enlightenment, while with her left, she trails the slender wires of the telegraph that will bind the nation. Fleeing her approach are Indians, buffalo, wild horses, bears and other game, disappearing into the storm and waves of the Pacific coast. They flee the wondrous vision-the star is too much for them.” Linen backed. Unobtrusive over-painting to lower left margin; light spotting. B+.