U.S. Mail Boat
1855 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
An oil painting on canvas by Leila T. Bauman depicting a steam-powered mail boat in a coastal landscape with a lighthouse and a residence. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art.
Did you know?
Leila T. Bauman's work is celebrated for its charming simplicity, which is a hallmark of the 19th-century American folk art tradition. These paintings often captured the rapid industrialization of the era—represented here by the paddle steamer—juxtaposed with the quiet, static nature of domestic life. Such works were frequently produced by self-taught artists who prioritized narrative detail and composition over strict adherence to academic perspective.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
U.S. Mail Boat
Leila Bauman, 1855
