Mississippi Boatman 1850

"Mississippi Boatman," painted in 1850 by American artist George Caleb Bingham, depicts a solitary boatman in a contemplative pose. The figure, clad in simple workwear, rests his hand on a pipe, suggesting a moment of respite amidst a life of labor. The composition emphasizes the boatman's isolation, with a backdrop of barrels and a distant landscape, setting the scene for a reflection on the hardships and solitude of river life. Bingham's realist style, known for its depictions of everyday American life, captures the essence of a working man in the mid-19th century. The painting is a poignant testament to the struggles and resilience of the American working class.