Hunter Museum of American Art

Analysis

Fitz Henry Lane grew up near the sea as the son of a sailmaker and studied with noted seascape painter Robert Salmon whose work is also in the Hunter collection. Continuing in this tradition, Lane depicted the U.S.S. Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," which fought during the War of 1812. When Fitz HenryLane created this painting, the battleship had already retired from active service but the ship was still seen as a symbol of American strength.