The Wood-Boat (1850)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"The Wood-Boat" (1850), painted by the esteemed American artist George Caleb Bingham, captures a serene and vivid glimpse of river life in the mid-19th century. This artwork beautifully represents Bingham's skill in incorporating elements of landscape and daily life along the rivers of Missouri.The scene is set against a backdrop of a calm, expansive river flanked by distant wooded shores and a soft sunset, exuding a sense of tranquility. The composition centers around three figures on a flatboat laden with cut wood, presumably gathered for trade or fuel. The central figure stands upright, gripping a long pole, peering into the distance, possibly navigating the boat. His attire, a bright red shirt paired with a grey hat and trousers, draws immediate attention amidst the more subdued colors of the surroundings.Seated are two other figures, engaged in leisure: one with a pipe, suggesting a moment of rest after labor, and the other with a contemplative expression, looking out over the water. Each character adds to the narrative of river life, showcasing the blend of work and quiet moments on the river.
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George Caleb Bingham (March 20, 1811 – July 7, 1879) was an American artist, soldier and politician known in his lifetime as "the Missouri Artist". Initially a Whig, he was elected as a delegate to the Missouri legislature before the American Civil War where he fought against the extension of slavery westward.