The artwork, titled “U.S. Frigate Cumberland, 54 Guns. The flag ship of the Gulf Squadron, Com. Perry,” was created by the artist Currier and Ives in 1848. This piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is categorized within the marina genre, reflecting the grandeur and power of a navy vessel of that era.
The artwork depicts a majestic U.S. frigate with three towering masts, each adorned with full, billowing sails, suggesting the ship is navigating through the open sea. The vessel is presented in fine detail, highlighting its structure and the numerous intricacies of its rigging. The ship’s flags are prominently displayed, with one atop the main mast and the American flag elegantly flowing from the stern. In the background, a faint silhouette of a distant harbor or shipyard is visible against the horizon, adding depth and context to the scene. The overall composition conveys the strength and significance of naval power during the mid-19th century, evoking a sense of pride and admiration for maritime accomplishments.