The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Mass., Dec. 22nd, 1620
This historical scene pictures a small group of Europeans (Pilgrims) landing at Plymouth rock, located in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts (USA). In the right background, a ship (the Mayflower) is anchored in the bay. At center, a bearded man with long hair (dressed in a dark brown jacket with a white collar, dark brown pants, black stockings and shoes) stands with authority and faces the viewer; he holds his black hat in his right hand. Beside him (to left of center), a man kneels with his head bowed holding his black hat; his wears a light brown jacket, light brown pants, and black boots. Other adults and children gather behind them -- some wear clothing colored in shades of green, grays and browns; one woman (leaning her head against a man's shoulder) wears a red jacket. At right, a woman holding a baby looks down at a child (whose hand she holds) standing beside a dog. Behind them, an older man carries a pick ax, and a young man carries a sick young woman. At the far left, a Native American man stands in profile beside a tree; he carries a quiver filled with arrows, and wears a red shawl over a blanket robe, a feather headdress, and snow shoes. The ocean is a pale green. Clouds are in the sky. Around the image is a ruled border. The title and inscription are imprinted in the bottom margin.
Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. 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.
Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. 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.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Mass., Dec. 22nd, 1620
- Publisher: Currier & Ives (American, active New York, 1857–1907)
- Date: 1876
- Medium: Hand-colored lithograph, with touches of gum arabic
- Dimensions: Image: 8 15/16 × 12 7/8 in. (22.7 × 32.7 cm)
Image and text: 10 1/16 × 12 7/8 in. (25.6 × 32.7 cm)
Sheet: 11 in. × 14 15/16 in. (27.9 × 38 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Bequest of Adele S. Colgate, 1962
- Object Number: 63.550.429
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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