Empire State, Great Lakes steamboat 1856

This lithograph, printed by Currier and Ives, showcases the steamboat ‘Empire State,’ evoking symbols of progress and grandeur. The steamboat itself represents technological advancement and America's ambition to dominate its vast landscapes. But let us consider the name: Empire State. Across cultures and eras, empires have always sought to assert dominance, to leave a mark on history. We see echoes of the Roman Empire, of ancient Egypt. The steamboat’s grand paddlewheel is adorned with a radiant sunburst. The sun, a symbol of enlightenment, power, and life. In ancient Egypt, Ra was the sun god, a source of divine authority for the pharaohs. We see similar solar iconography in Louis XIV’s France, where the king styled himself the "Sun King," central to the nation’s prosperity. The yearning for significance, the desire to leave one’s mark, is a timeless, universal drive, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. It's a narrative that continues to unfold, each generation reinterpreting the symbols of power and progress.