Freeing a Square Rigger 1875

William Bradford painted "Freeing a Square Rigger" in the 19th century, and the image evokes the spirit of exploration and adventure. But it also speaks to the social and economic realities of the time. The painting depicts a ship stuck in the ice of the Arctic, and this was a common sight in the 19th century, as ships from various nations searched for new trade routes and resources. The artist often joined these ships and became known for his paintings of the Arctic region. Note the romanticism typical of the Hudson River School, which emphasized the sublimity of nature. Bradford, however, was a businessman and entrepreneur as well as an artist. The image also creates meaning through its depiction of light and shadow, which emphasizes the harshness and isolation of the Arctic environment. To further understand this painting, one might consider the influence of the Royal Academy on the art market, as well as other popular images of exploration at the time. Approaching art through its social and institutional history allows us to see it as a product of specific cultural forces.