Sketches of Rowboat and Figure Standing in a Rowboat (from Sketchbook) 1891

Albert Bierstadt sketched these rowboats in graphite on paper, capturing more than just vessels; he depicted symbols of transition and journey. The boat, a motif as old as civilization, appears across cultures, from Egyptian funerary barges ferrying souls to the afterlife, to Viking longships carrying warriors to new lands. Notice the figure standing in one of the boats, arm outstretched, a gesture reminiscent of ancient orators or even religious figures bestowing blessings. This posture echoes through art history, resurfacing in depictions of leadership and divine intervention. The boat has evolved in meaning, but its core association with passage—both literal and metaphorical—persists. It taps into our collective unconscious, stirring deep-seated feelings of adventure, escape, and the unknown. The simple sketch becomes a potent symbol, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level, reminding us of humanity's eternal quest for what lies beyond the horizon.