Lush river scene of river winding its way from left center down through center right. Fishing boat with three people in water to left of center; two birds on branch low left of center. Lots of reds, yellows and greens.
During the 19th century the average Currier & Ives enthusiast likely resided in an urban setting on the eastern coast of the United States. In order to satisfy their customer’s interests, the publishers created prints which highlighted the geographical distinction of various North American regions. In Southern River Scenery the viewer is offered a glimpse into a lush undisturbed wilderness accented with brightly colored vegetation. Amid the moss-laden trees the plants seem exaggerated with color and tropical in appearance. It is likely that the artist who created this exotic interpretation never visited the South and therefore had no knowledge of the native flora.
