The Thomas Hunt and the America 1852

This maritime painting by James Bard, titled "The Thomas Hunt and the America," depicts a steamboat and a sailboat on the open water. The painting, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the burgeoning American shipping industry in the mid-19th century. The steam-powered vessel, named "Thomas Hunt," with its paddle wheel and large size, contrasts with the sleek, sail-powered "America." The composition captures a moment of peaceful coexistence between these contrasting forms of maritime transportation. The presence of numerous flags, including the American flag and a banner proclaiming "True Stripe," suggests the patriotic and competitive spirit of the era. The choppy waves and dramatic sky contribute to the overall sense of movement and grandeur of the scene.