Brookyn Bridge 1883

Currier and Ives made this print of the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting New York and Brooklyn, to celebrate the modern industrial age. Completed in 1883, after 13 years of construction, the Brooklyn Bridge symbolized America's industrial prowess, and its ability to connect communities through engineering marvels. As a visual symbol, the bridge embodied both technological advancement and social progress. The print emphasizes this by depicting a bustling waterway filled with various ships, suggesting the bridge facilitates trade and movement. It is a celebration of modern life, even as the bridge’s architecture evokes a sense of historical grandeur through its gothic-inspired arches. To better understand the print, consider the history of Currier and Ives as a commercial printmaking firm, and how they catered to a growing middle class eager for images of progress and prosperity. Researching the cultural context of the late 19th century, including the rise of industrialization and urbanization, will help shed light on this artwork’s enduring appeal.