The artwork is titled “Blackwells Island, East River, From Eighty Sixth Street, New York,” created by the artist duo Currier and Ives in 1862. It belongs to the Romanticism art movement and showcases a cityscape genre. The piece portrays a detailed and romanticized view of Blackwells Island as seen from Eighty Sixth Street, New York on the East River.
In the artwork, one observes a serene and scenic view of the waterfront, where sailing boats and a steamboat leisurely move over the still water. The foreground depicts a small dock with rowboats, where a few figures are either preparing for departure or enjoying the tranquil scenery. Tall trees and rocks dominate the right side, leading to quaint buildings that hint at a quiet, rustic life. The distant skyline across the river features substantial buildings under a partly cloudy sky, which adds to the picturesque and idyllic essence captured in the work. The usage of vivid colors and meticulous details reflects the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on the sublime beauty of nature and human endeavors.
