John Bull Locomotive

by John Swatsley

Title

John Bull Locomotive

Artist

John Swatsley

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

The history of the railroad encompasses all the elements of fine literature -- drama, romance, adventure, heroes and anti-heroes. To many it is a grand symbol of America's past, when the Industrial Age created a renaissance of human progress, and the new steam engines opened up a continent. At the time, each locomotive took on a character of its own, stirring railroad lines and engineers to designate them with colorful names befitting their styles and uses. The "Best Friend of Charleston" carried passengers along the South Carolina railway, while the "Stourbridge Lion" roared its way through the hills to the Pennsylvania coal mines. The "John Bull" meanwhile, served the New Jersey line as early as 1831. And proving true to its name, turned out to be one of the most durable of the early engines used in America. Having served amiably through the Steam Age, this trusty locomotive was pulled out of retirement in 1893 for a special trip to the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago that year. Showing her stuff, the "John Bull" exemplified the beauty and glory of the railroads in ways her less hardy predecessors did not. Thus, when the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. sought to capture the excitement of the railroad era for exhibit, the "John Bull," with its powerful lines, and sturdy build, was the engine of choice. Today, it is the oldest locomotive preserved in the United States, providing the public with a first-hand view of the stirring presence of which railroad legends are made.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB10103

Uploaded

September 21st, 2022

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