A black squall (1879) by Currier and Ives

A black squall - Currier and Ives - 1879

Artwork Information

TitleA black squall
ArtistCurrier and Ives
Date1879
Art MovementRomanticism

About A black squall

“A Black Squall,” created by Currier and Ives in 1879, is a piece rooted in the Romanticism movement and takes the form of a caricature.

The artwork portrays a dramatic and humorous scene set at sea. In the forefront, a distressed man clings to the side of a small boat, while a woman, clad in a voluminous dress and headscarf, exerts herself at the oars within the boat. The water around them is tumultuous, suggesting a fierce squall, with waves aggressively crashing. The sky is cloudy, enhancing the sense of turmoil and chaos associated with the storm. The exaggerated features and expressions of the characters align with the caricature genre, providing a satirical take on the scenario. In the background, a larger ship can be seen against the stormy sky, enhancing the sense of peril. The overall composition, with its dynamic use of lines and contrasts, captures the essence of Romanticism by dramatizing human emotions and nature’s power.

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