“The Progress of the Century – the Lightning Steam Press” is an artwork by Currier and Ives, an American printmaking firm headed by Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives, known for their prolific output of popular prints in the 19th century. The genre painting is reflective of the Romanticism art movement, which often focused on emotion, creativity, and the sublime nature of human experience and technological progress.
The artwork eagerly depicts the technological advancements of the 19th century encapsulated by the headline “The Progress of the Century.” It is divided into several focal areas that each highlight an innovation changing the face of society. On the far left, we observe a young boy engaged with learning or reading, symbolizing education and the spread of knowledge. Central to the scene in the foreground is a man operating a telegraph, representing the revolutionary change in long-distance communication. Behind him is a steam press, suggesting the mass production of printed media.
The backdrop is a large window through which we see a collage of industrial progression: a steamboat is visible on the water, symbolizing advancements in marine transportation; a locomotive train steams across the landscape, indicating the important role of railways in connecting the country; and telegraph line poles extend into the distance, underscoring the essential network for quick communication. Together, these elements celebrate human triumphs in technology and industry during the 19th century. Each component of the print—from the machinery to the architectural elements—conveys a sense of modernity and achievement.