Providence and Stonington Steamship Co's Steamers. Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Print, specifically a large-scale lithograph on paper. • Charles Parsons (American, 1821-1910) or studio of Currier & Ives; printed by Currier & Ives or Endicott & Co.
Style & Movement
19th Century American Marine Realism / Lithographic Americana.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography (chromolithography) with subsequent hand-coloring; printed using stone or zinc plates.
Creation Period
Circa 1877-1882 (Massachusetts launched 1877; Providence and Stonington line merged 1875).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 30 inches (excluding frame); Landscape format.
Subject Description
A detailed profile view of the side-wheel steamer 'Massachusetts' at sea, featuring passengers on deck, twin smokestacks, an American flag, and the company burgee. The lower margin provides technical specifications (tonnage, length) and commercial route information for the New York to Boston via Providence line.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant foxing and brown spotting is visible throughout the sky and lower margin, likely due to acidic support or environmental moisture.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (heavily dependent on authentication of printing date versus later reproduction).
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD.
Provenance History
Likely originally part of a commercial transport office or a private collection of maritime memorabilia; typical of 19th-century New England ownership.
Art Historical Significance
A significant document of Gilded Age American industrial pride and maritime travel, illustrating the 'Floating Palaces' of the Sound Lines which were essential to East Coast commerce.
Notable Features
Includes detailed technical specs in the lower corners (tonnage 3600 tons, length 350 ft) and highly detailed rendering of the paddle wheel housing.
Condition Issues
Extensive foxing (acid-related spots), minor toning of the paper, likely light-induced fading of blue pigments in the sky, and potential acid burn from the original wooden backing.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deacidification and cleaning by a paper conservator; remounting with archival, acid-free matting; installation of UV-filtering glass.