In Port Gloucester c. 19th century

"In Port Gloucester" is an etching made by Stephen Parrish. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Parrish captured a pivotal moment in American maritime history, as sail power began to yield to steam. Here, we see Gloucester harbor, a hub of seafaring and commerce, rendered in exquisite detail. The ships at port evoke the lives of sailors, merchants, and immigrants who crossed oceans in search of livelihood and opportunity. As an artist, Parrish was celebrated for his ability to capture light and atmosphere, and here, he uses delicate lines to suggest a still, gray day. However, this tranquil scene belies the intense labor and complex social hierarchies of maritime life. Decisions made in port directly affected the livelihoods of workers and their families, women and men whose lives were deeply intertwined with the sea. Parrish’s atmospheric etching invites us to reflect on the human stories embedded in the landscape.