The legendary printmaking firm of Currier & Ives (1834 – 1907) created exceptionally popular, iconic 19th-century American art. The business’ founder, Nathaniel Currier (1813 – 1888), became nationally renowned when his prints of current events appeared in the New York Sun, making it the first illustrated newspaper ever published. Currier partnered with bookkeeper James Merritt Ives (1824 – 1895), and the firm garnered acclaim for beautifully crafted, affordable lithographs of scenes from American life. Currier and Ives, who employed a staff of artists and an assembly-line of female colorists, produced more than 1 million prints, which are still cherished today.