The artwork titled “America” by Currier and Ives, created in the year 1870, is an example of Romanticism within the genre of allegorical painting.
In the artwork, a female figure is presented with a serene expression that evokes a sense of calm and contemplation. She is adorned with a prominent headdress featuring a pattern of stars, suggestive of Native American influence, and wears an assortment of ornate jewelry, including a beaded necklace and an intricate bracelet. The figure’s attire is draped in flowing fabrics that add to the romantic and idealized aesthetic of the piece. Over her shoulder rests a quiver filled with arrows, further enhancing the symbolism within this allegorical representation of America. The artwork exemplifies the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on emotion and individualism, offering a poetic visualization of national identity during that era.