Art Whisper
Art Whisper
William Keesey Hewitt, 1840
This dramatic 1840 hand-colored lithograph captures the terrifying moment the steamship Lexington burst into flames on Long Island Sound, a vivid record of a devastating maritime disaster that captivated the public.
Get the full experience in Art Whisper
A fiery chaos engulfs the steamship Lexington in this dramatic print, showing the vessel ablaze in the frigid waters of Long Island Sound. Flames leap from the ship's entire length, turning the night sky an ominous orange and red. Below, tiny figures desperately cling to debris or struggle in the waves, illuminated by the inferno. The artist, William Keesey Hewitt, captures the terrifying reality of the January 1840 disaster, which claimed over a hundred lives. This hand-colored lithograph, created in the immediate aftermath, served as a vivid news report for a public hungry for images of such dramatic events. It emphasizes the sheer power of the fire against the vulnerability of human life, transforming a real-world tragedy into a stark visual narrative.
Observe the distinct orange and red flames consuming the entire length of the ship.
Look closely at the small, struggling figures in the water, clinging to wreckage.
Notice the dark, foreboding silhouette of the landmass in the background.
This dramatic 1840 hand-colored lithograph captures the terrifying moment the steamship Lexington burst into flames on Long Island Sound, a vivid record of a d…
Open the App