About the Artist
Currier and Ives was the most influential American print publisher of the nineteenth century, known for bringing current events and national icons into ordinary homes. Founded by Nathaniel Currier and later joined by James Merritt Ives, the firm produced affordable lithographs that shaped popular visual culture in the United States.
Their works, including this 1885 print, captured pivotal moments in American history, making them enduring favorites among collectors of famous artists and enthusiasts of vintage American imagery.
The Artwork
The Great Bartholdi Statue commemorates the arrival of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, a moment that symbolized hope, freedom, and the spirit of international friendship between France and the United States. Created during a time of great civic pride, the print reflects the excitement and optimism surrounding the statue's installation, which quickly became a national icon.
This commemorative piece served as a visual record and a source of inspiration, inviting viewers to reflect on the ideals of liberty and opportunity that the statue represented for generations of immigrants arriving in America.
Style & Characteristics
The composition centers on the towering Statue of Liberty, rendered in a commanding pose above a lively harbor filled with steamships and sailing vessels. Currier and Ives' signature lithographic technique is evident in the precise linework and careful shading, which bring clarity and depth to the bustling scene.
The artwork features cool blues in the water and sky, contrasted with the green patina of the statue and earthy browns and greys in the boats and cityscape. The overall effect is both documentary and celebratory, making it a fitting addition to sea and ocean themed spaces or alongside other classic art prints.
In Interior Design
This vintage New York print serves as a striking focal point in entryways, studies, or living rooms, especially in spaces with industrial, traditional, or coastal influences. Its historic subject and dignified palette complement nautical accents and classic furnishings.
Pair its blue and green hues with slate or navy textiles, and introduce warmth through wood, leather, or brass. Ideal for lovers of travel, architecture, or American history, this print enriches gallery walls centered on iconic city landmarks.
