1893 Chicago World’s Fair Art Supplement – 'Viking and Battleship' Chicago Tribune

About the Piece: This original 1893 Chicago Tribune Art Supplement depicts two of the most iconic naval attractions of the World’s Columbian Exposition: the "Viking," a full-scale replica of the Gokstad ship that sailed from Norway to Chicago, and the "Battleship Illinois," a full-scale brick-and-mortar replica of a coast-line battleship built right into Lake Michigan. This print captures the fascinating juxtaposition of ancient seafaring tradition and modern industrial naval power that defined the "White City."

Perfect for maritime history buffs, Chicago historians, and collectors of 19th-century ephemera who want to own a visual record of the most famous technological contrasts of the 1893 Fair.

Comparative Advantage: Unlike generic fair souvenirs, this Chicago Tribune supplement was a high-quality artistic production of its time, designed for framing. Because these were printed on newsprint-grade paper over 130 years ago, surviving copies that feature both the Viking ship and the Battleship Illinois are increasingly difficult to find in collectible condition.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is this an original? Yes, this is an authentic 1893 newspaper supplement, not a modern reproduction.
• What was the Battleship Illinois? It was a unique "fake" battleship built of brick and cement to bypass naval treaties while still showcasing American naval might at the fair.
• What is the condition? The image retains strong color saturation and excellent compositional clarity, with no restoration, recoloring, or later enhancement observed. The sheet exhibits gentle, even toning consistent with age and the nature of 19th-century newsprint. Light handling wear is present at the margins, as expected for an unmounted example, with no losses or significant defects affecting the image area. Overall, a well-preserved and visually impressive example of this scarce late-issue World’s Columbian Exposition art supplement, presenting attractively and suitable for archival matting and display. Size is 11 in. x 8 in. 

The Collector's Feel: This print is a powerful reminder of the scale and ambition of the 1893 Fair. It serves as a sophisticated focal point for a library or office, appealing to anyone fascinated by the transition from the age of sail to the age of steam and steel.