Cutter Yacht "Scud" of Philadelphia – Modelled by Robert L. Stevens, Esq. 1855

Charles Parsons created this lithograph titled "Cutter Yacht 'Scud' of Philadelphia" in the mid-19th century. The composition strikes a balance between technical precision and artistic representation, evoking a sense of maritime dynamism and elegance. The yacht "Scud" is depicted with meticulous detail, its sails billowing in triangular forms against a backdrop of sea and sky. The interplay of line and form creates a visual rhythm, guiding the viewer's eye across the scene. The artist's rendering of the sea captures the texture and movement of the water through subtle gradations of tone and shading. The semiotic language of the print suggests an aspiration toward technological progress and national pride, as signified by the flags atop the masts. The use of scale emphasizes the yacht's grandeur, while the precise lines and geometric shapes reflect the values of precision and rationality. The print functions not merely as a depiction of a vessel, but as a cultural artifact embodying the spirit of innovation and expansion that defined the era.