The artwork, titled “Drew, a Hudson River steamer,” was created by Currier and Ives in the year 1877. This piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls within the marina genre, focusing on maritime subjects.
The artwork portrays a detailed and vibrant depiction of the steamer named “Drew,” navigating the Hudson River. The vessel, adorned with flags and possessing notable twin smokestacks, is shown in full profile, highlighting its structural grandeur and elegance. The waterway reflects the steamer, suggesting a serene journey. The scene is set against a backdrop of a twilight sky, with soft clouds tinged with hues of the setting sun, enhancing the Romanticism emphasis on natural beauty and sublime landscapes. The text below the image provides additional context, emphasizing the importance of the steamer in connecting cities along the Hudson River, showcasing this as a significant mode of transportation during that era.