Extraordinary Express Across the Atlantic – Pilot Boat William J. Romer, Captain McGuire, Leaving for England February 9th, 1846 1846

Nathaniel Currier created this lithograph, "Extraordinary Express Across the Atlantic," around 1846. The image presents us with a boat cutting through a stylized ocean. Notice the formal arrangement here: the boat is centrally located, with its sails forming a triangular shape which dominates the composition. The print's structure reveals a cultural fascination with speed and transatlantic communication. Observe the precision in rendering the ship’s rigging, which contrasts with the more freely drawn waves, suggesting a tension between technological advancement and the raw power of nature. The American flag, prominently displayed, is not merely a patriotic symbol but also a signifier of national ambition and commercial enterprise. The lithograph's graphic style, typical of Currier's work, emphasizes clarity and accessibility. Consider how this aesthetic choice invites a wide audience to participate in the narrative of progress and connectivity, encapsulating the aspirations of a rapidly expanding nation.