James Merritt Ives

American lithographer

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June 29, 2026

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James Merritt Ives was an American lithographer, best known for his partnership in the firm Currier & Ives. Born in 1824, Ives joined Nathaniel Currier's printing business in 1852 and became a partner in 1857. The firm, Currier & Ives, became famous for its popular lithographs that depicted American history and customs.

In an era before photography, these prints served as a visual record of events and daily life. The firm produced over 7,000 prints between 1840 and 1890, ranging from depictions of disasters and political satire to sentimental scenes of American life. Currier & Ives aimed to provide "Cheap and Popular Pictures," with prices varying from 5 cents to $3. Though not considered high art, the prints were known for their craftsmanship and became valuable historical documents of 19th-century America. Ives passed away in 1895.12

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Currier & Ives
…New York, New York) and James Merritt Ives (b. March 5, 1824, New York, New York, U.S.—d. January 3, 1895, Rye, New York), which typically depict the history and customs of the American people, also provide a valuable historical record of a time when news photography was still unknown.
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…New York, New York) and James Merritt Ives (b. March 5, 1824, New York, New York, U.S.—d. January 3, 1895, Rye, New York), which typically depict the history and customs of the American people, also provide a valuable historical record of a time when news photography was still unknown.
Read More