Clipper Ship “Southern Cross” Leaving Boston Harbor

Clipper Ship “Southern Cross” Leaving Boston Harbor is one of the most famous paintings by the American artist Fitz Henry Lane, who was a master of marine painting. This painting, created in the mid-19th century, depicts the fast clipper ship Southern Cross leaving the Boston harbor.

Fitz Henry Lane (1804–1865) was an American artist specializing in seascapes. His works were known for their exceptional detail and skillful depiction of light.

The painting shows the massive clipper ship leaving the Boston harbor, its white sails unfurling as they touch the waters. The sea is calm, the sky is clear, and all of this conveys a sense of energy and movement. The artist expertly portrays not only the ship itself but also the city in the background, which adds depth and context to the painting.

The Southern Cross was one of the famous clipper ships of the 19th century, used for fast transport of goods, especially tea and opium between the United States and China. This painting reflects not only the technical mastery of the artist but also the historical significance of maritime transport for the economy of the United States at that time.

P.S. Image attribution: Fitz Henry Lane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons