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

Nathaniel Currier

1845

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Loss of the Steamboat Swallow: While on Her Trip, from Albany to New-York, on Monday Evening April 7th 1845 is a 1845 ink by Nathaniel Currier, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Nathaniel Currier
When & what style?: 1845 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a burning steamboat named *Swallow* sinking in choppy water. Smoke billows from its stacks, and small boats filled with people drift away from the wreck. The sky is dark with storm clouds, while the shore in the background looks busy with buildings and docks. The text at the bottom explains the boat hit a rock, caught fire, and split in two, causing many to lose their lives. The artist used bold colors to show the drama and chaos. Next, look up the technique: lithography to see how this print was made.