THOMAS BIRCH

One of the leading American marine and landscape painters of the early nineteenth century, Thomas Birch moved from England to Philadelphia in 1794. He took up marine painting during the War of 1812 and made a series of popular works chronicling the major naval battles. In addition, he produced views along the Fairmount and Jersey shores, and harbor scenes of Philadelphia and New York. This painting shows the vital commercial activity of the Delaware River, with Philadelphia's old Navy Yard in the background.