Artwork

Loss of the Steamboat Swallow: While on Her Trip, from Albany to New-York, on Monday Evening April 7th 1845

Loss of the Steamboat Swallow: While on Her Trip, from Albany to New-York, on Monday Evening April 7th 1845 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nathaniel Currier. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This hand-colored lithograph depicts the tragic sinking of the steamboat Swallow in 1845.

About this work

Overview

This hand-colored lithograph depicts the tragic sinking of the steamboat Swallow in 1845. Created by Nathaniel Currier, it captures a dramatic maritime disaster.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the Swallow, a steamboat traveling from Albany to New York, after it struck a rock, caught fire, and broke apart on April 7, 1845. The image conveys the chaos and tragedy of the event, with survivors fleeing in small boats amidst a stormy backdrop.

Technique & Style

The lithograph is characterized by bold, vibrant colors that heighten the sense of drama. The technique of lithography allowed for mass production of the image, making it widely available. The artist's use of color and composition effectively conveys the turmoil of the scene.