The artwork titled “City of New York – Showing the building of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States,” created by Currier and Ives in 1883, falls within the Romanticism art movement and belongs to the genre of veduta. This detailed and panoramic depiction of New York City highlights the prominent building of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, located at 120 Broadway.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with an extensive and meticulously rendered bird’s-eye view of New York City during the late 19th century. The bustling cityscape includes a myriad of buildings, streets, and notable landmarks. The depiction is enriched with a significant number of vessels navigating the surrounding waters, contributing to the overall impression of a vibrant and industrious metropolis. The attention to detail, combined with the romanticized portrayal, underscores the grandeur and dynamic nature of the era, emphasizing both architectural achievement and the thriving urban landscape. The choice of colors and intricate shading further enhance the serene yet bustling atmosphere captured in this historic representation.