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Summer Scenes in New York Harbor

Charles Parsons

1869

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

About this work

This print shows a busy harbor packed with ships of all kinds. Tall sailing ships with white sails and dark hulls float next to steamers puffing faintly. In the foreground, rowboats carry people in bright red and blue jackets, racing or drifting. The sky is soft with light clouds, and the water is calm, reflecting the vessels. The artist labeled each ship at the bottom—like the *Hamburg Steam Ship* or *U.S. Steam Frigate*—as if inviting you to spot them. This kind of detail was common in 19th-century prints meant to show off real places. Want to know how this image was made? Look up lithography.

The story of this work

Overview

Charles Parsons' 1869 hand-colored lithograph, Summer Scenes in New York Harbor, depicts a vibrant, bustling maritime scene in the New York Harbor during the late 19th century.

Subject & Meaning

The print showcases a diverse array of ships, including tall sailing vessels and steamers, alongside rowboats with figures in brightly colored attire. The meticulous labeling of specific ships (e.g., Hamburg Steam Ship, U.S. Steam Frigate) at the bottom of the work emphasizes the representation of actual, identifiable entities, characteristic of 19th-century prints aiming to document real locations.

Technique & Style

Executed as a hand-colored lithograph on wove paper, the piece exhibits soft, light clouds and calm water, with reflections of the vessels. The contrast between the detailed, labeled ships and the serene atmosphere underscores the blend of documentary precision and aesthetic appeal.

History & Provenance

Created in 1869 by Charles Parsons, specific details regarding the work's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not provided.

Context

Summer Scenes in New York Harbor reflects the transitional maritime era of the late 19th century, capturing the coexistence of sailing and steam-powered vessels. The work aligns with the contemporary interest in documenting urban and industrial growth through art.

Legacy

The legacy of Summer Scenes in New York Harbor is not explicitly outlined in the provided information, though it contributes to the visual record of New York Harbor's historical development and the artistic practices of its time.

Read the full account in the museum source.