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.