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M6 South Street Seaport History,  Then(circa 1885) and now(circa 1909, 1990)

This painting overlays two different eras of history in a single frame. In the nineteenth century, South Street Seaport bustled with maritime activity, and was full of businesses serving commercial vessels and their crews. Times changed, the harbor silted, and ships became larger; the name became nothing more than a charming throwback. 

But history is still with us. In this painting, the tall ships of the end of the age of sail, along with their contemporary carriages and businesses, return to the moonlit South Street Seaport, superimposing themselves on the streets and buildings of the nineteen-ninetees. 

Strong diagonals direct the eye towards clouds, the top of the buildings, people, horses in the center of the South Street Seaport, and late evening activities, and create the circular composition.

The diagonal path draws us into the depth of the picture and the distant Brooklyn bridge acts as an balancing and oppositional element. 

The old-fashioned gas lamps light up the night for tipsy sailors, providing a romantic atmosphere.