The Great Race on the Mississippi (1870) by Currier and Ives

The Great Race on the Mississippi - Currier and Ives - 1870

Artwork Information

TitleThe Great Race on the Mississippi
ArtistCurrier and Ives
Date1870
Art MovementRomanticism

About The Great Race on the Mississippi

“The Great Race on the Mississippi” is an artwork crafted by Currier and Ives in 1870. It is part of the Romanticism art movement and belongs to the marina genre. The artwork depicts a dynamic moment from a steamboat race, reflecting the adventurous spirit and the technological progress of the era.

The artwork showcases two large steamboats, prominently named “Robe E. Lee” and “Natchez,” engaged in a competitive race on the Mississippi River. The vessels are illustrated with meticulous detail, emphasizing their robust structures and billowing smokestacks. Both boats display flags at their sterns and bows, stirring a sense of motion and rivalry. The river and the surrounding landscape are depicted with soft hues and a serene backdrop, subtly contrasting the intensity of the race. The craftsmanship of Currier and Ives captures not only the vibrant action but also the essence of 19th-century maritime culture and the significance of steamboats in American history.

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