The artwork titled “Midnight Race on the Mississippi,” created by Currier and Ives in 1877, is a notable piece from the Romanticism movement, exemplifying the genre of marina.
The artwork vividly depicts a dramatic nighttime scene on the Mississippi River. At the center, two large steamboats are locked in a competitive race, their towering chimneys belching smoke and fire into the moonlit sky. The moon, partially obscured by dramatic, swirling clouds, casts an ethereal glow on the water, highlighting the intensity and fervor of the race. The reflections of the boats and the interplay of light and shadow create a sense of movement and liveliness, characteristic of the Romantic era’s fascination with nature’s beauty and power. The bustling activity on the decks, coupled with the atmospheric elements, encapsulates a moment of spirited rivalry and adventure on the iconic American river.