James Bard

American, 1815 - 1897

Explore selected works

The image shows a steamboat named "John Birkbeck" on a body of water. The boat is moving from left to right. The background features hills dividing the water from the sky. The steamboat has flags, including one with the name "John Birkbeck." Smoke is coming out of the smokestack. Figures are visible on the deck. The painting is detailed with smooth brushstrokes. The color palette includes blues, greens, pastels, grays, and warm hues near the horizon. The water's surface and distant hills are depicted in a calm and idealized manner.
James Bard, Towboat "John Birkbeck", 1854, oil on canvas, Gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1971.83.1

Towboat "John Birkbeck"

James Bard · 1854 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1971.83.1
The artwork depicts the steamer "St. Lawrence" on a body of water. The perspective is from the side, showing the entire length of the vessel. The horizon is positioned low, with the sky filled with soft, wispy clouds against a light blue background. The ship features two tall masts, a central smokestack emitting dark smoke, and a large paddle wheel labeled "St. Lawrence." Flags adorn the ship, including a red flag with the ship's name and an American flag at the stern. The water is depicted with dynamic, wavy brushstrokes in shades of blue and green. In the distance, land is visible on the left, with a small sailboat nearby. The overall color palette is soft and muted.
James Bard, Steamer "St. Lawrence", 1850, oil on canvas, Gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, 1953.5.2

Steamer "St. Lawrence"

James Bard · 1850 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1953.5.2

Bibliography

1949

  • Sniffen, Harold S. "James and John Bard--Painters of Steamboat Portraits." Art in America 37 (April 1949): 51-66.

1977

  • Peluso, Anthony J., Jr. J & J Bard, Picture Painters. New York, 1977.

1992

  • Chotner, Deborah, with contributions by Julie Aronson, Sarah D. Cash, and Laurie Weitzenkorn. American Naive Paintings. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. Washington, D.C., 1992: 6-7.