To Date: New Year No.

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints collection, where you'll find *To Date: New Year No.*, a charming lithograph created anonymously by an American artist in 189. Measuring 13 1/16 × 10 15/16 inches, this th-century print captures the of New Year's celebration, likely serving as a festive greeting or calendar marker in an era when such ephemera brightened homes and offices. Lithography, the medium here, revolutionized printmaking in the 1800s by allowing artists to draw directly on stone with greasy crayon, producing multiple high-quality impressions affordably. This technique democratized art, making colorful holiday imagery accessible to the masses amid America's Gilded Age prosperity and growing consumer culture. Produced at the tail end of the 19th century, it reflects a time of rapid urbanization and holiday traditions taking root. Acquired through the Leonard A. Lauder Gift in 1995, this piece highlights the Met's commitment to preserving everyday visual culture. Though anonymous, it offers a window into late Victorian American life, reminding us how simple prints fostered joy and connection during New Year's festivities.