Artwork

Fire-Works on the Night of the Fourth of July

Fire-Works on the Night of the Fourth of July, by American 19th Century, ink, 1868
Fire-Works on the Night of the Fourth of July, by American 19th Century, ink, 1868

Fire-Works on the Night of the Fourth of July is an ink print by the Impressionist artist American 19th Century. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Fire-Works on the Night of the Fourth of July is a wood engraving depicting a vibrant nighttime scene of fireworks celebrations on the United States' Independence Day.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures the communal joy of the Fourth of July, emphasizing the collective experience of spectators gathered to watch the fireworks, conveying the festive and celebratory atmosphere of a national holiday.

Technique & Style

Executed in wood engraving, the work features intricate cross-hatching techniques to achieve depth and texture, particularly in rendering the dark night sky illuminated by exploding fireworks.

Context

Created to commemorate the Fourth of July, the engraving reflects 19th-century American traditions and the growing popularity of public fireworks displays as part of national celebrations.

Artist & collection

Portrait of American 19th Century

Artist

American 19th Century

This artist painted everyday American life in the 1800s. Look at *Farmhouse in Mahantango Valley*—a quiet, sunlit scene of rural Pennsylvania. *Boy and Girl* shows two children standing close, their faces turned toward…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.