The Discovery of the Mississippi (1876) by Currier and Ives

The Discovery of the Mississippi - Currier and Ives - 1876

Artwork Information

TitleThe Discovery of the Mississippi
ArtistCurrier and Ives
Date1876
Art MovementRomanticism

About The Discovery of the Mississippi

The artwork, “The Discovery of the Mississippi” by Currier and Ives, executed in 1876, exemplifies the Romanticism art movement and falls under the history painting genre. It captures a significant moment of historical discovery, illustrating Ferdinand De Soto and his followers reaching the Mississippi River in May of 1541.

In the artwork, a group of explorers is depicted arriving at the banks of the Mississippi River. At the center, a prominent figure on a white horse, likely Ferdinand De Soto, raises his arm in a gesture symbolizing discovery and conquest. His companions, dressed in vibrant period attire, surround him, some pointing towards the river, others participating in the ceremonial moment with religious symbols like a cross. The scene is set against a picturesque backdrop of the river and lush, distant landscape, reflecting the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on nature and dramatic historical events. The composition is marked by a dynamic arrangement and rich, evocative colors that draw the viewer into this pivotal moment in American exploration history.

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