Berg's Ship Yard 1870

William P. Chappel rendered this watercolor and graphite painting of "Berg's Ship Yard" to evoke a sense of life in motion. Dominating the scene, the ship represents more than mere transport, it is a symbol of transition, a vessel carrying hopes and dreams across the sea. Note the two horses in the foreground, their presence is a nod to the ancient motif of the horse as a symbol of strength and movement. From the steeds of Greek heroes to the horses of the Apocalypse, this animal recurs across cultures, embodying vitality and drive. In stark contrast to the imposing stillness of the ship, the horses await a calling, stirring a sense of expectation. This juxtaposition speaks to the powerful tension between potential and stillness. Such symbolism taps into our collective memory, stirring primal emotions and subconscious associations. Observe how Chappel captured not just a shipyard, but a potent symbol of human ambition.