Artwork
Fire-Works on the Night of the Fourth of July

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
Artist
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…

















