(American School, 19th century)

The Sidewheel Steamboat Robert Fulton, unsigned, watercolor on paper, sight 17-1/4 x 26-1/4 in.; modern dark finished and gilt wood frame with eglomise mat, 26-3/4 x 34-3/4 x 1-1/8 in.

Note: The “Robert Fulton”, built by Henry Eckford, was a pioneer, oceangoing steamship and the first vessel built for the Ocean Steam Ship Company, incorporated in April 1819 by Eckford, Cadwallader Colden and David Dunham. This view was possibly commissioned to celebrate her maiden voyage, departing New York for New Orleans and stopping enroute at Charleston and Havana, covering the 2225 miles in a record-breaking 10 days. She enjoyed a five-year period of service as a steamship before conversion into a sailing ship in December 1825. During that time, she made 18 voyages from her home port of New York, with primary stops at Charleston, Havana and New Orleans, as well as trips to other coastal ports, including Vera Cruz, Mexico.