Summer Scenes in New York Harbor
Not on view
In this New York Harbor scene, two six-man rowing crews race shells from right to left, passing various large and small anchored ships in the background. A key imprinted beneath the image identifies fifteen marine vessels [international and American frigates, yachts, steamers, etc.] In the right foreground, there are five rowboats filled with boat race spectators.
Nathaniel Currier, who established a successful New York-based lithography firm in 1835, produced thousands of prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907. People eagerly acquired Currier & Ives lithographs of rural and city views, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. The artist team of Charles R. Parsons and Lyman Atwater, noted for their maritime scenes and city views, made over thirty images for Currier and Ives.
