PORTLAND —  Historically waterways have been the center of a growing civilization.

The Atlantic Coast provided America with a rich avenue of trade from Europe, India and China during the 19th century. Many beautiful homes were built around the city of Portland’s harbor with captain’s walks on the top of their structures for families waiting for ships to come in.

A city’s growth depended on the successful economy of its harbor. 

The Portland Museum of Art’s current exhibit focuses on the Atlantic ocean off the shores of New York and on the Hudson River. Scenes of majestic ships of the 19th century bring a feeling of awe as the viewer sees ships in the exhibit that reflect strength, beauty, craftsmanship, military power and protection in an age gone by.

The title of the current exhibit at the PMA is “The Coast & The Sea; Marine and Maritime Art in America,” and includes seascape paintings, portraits and artifacts of the period between 1750-1904. It also includes famous sea battles and celebrates heroic deeds of the U.S. Navy.

Portraits of famous merchants, mariners, and naval heroes can be seen in the exhibit as well as hand-carved artifacts like a whale’s tooth scrimshaw, a mariner’s octant and a silver presentation tureen commemorating acts of bravery.

Artistically, the visual impact of these magnificent ships challenging the sea in the 19th century is a feast for the eyes because one can imagine the struggle between man and nature to survive. These hardy and courageous people survived weather conditions in the 19th century on the sea without radar, cell phones, computers, air conditioning or dramamine tablets.

This exhibit records the importance of the sea in the 19th century and its magnificent ships in developing our nation’s culture as a trade center and economic leader in the world.

That is why art is so important in every age. It records visually the experiences of its times.

A monumental work in the exhibit is by Thomas Birch, one of America’s best known marine painters, titled ”Escape of the U.S. Frigate “Constitution,” an oil on canvas created in 1838 concerning a famous naval battle about the War of 1812. The “Constitution’s” retired commander commissioned Birch to paint this seascape. It commemorated an event in which waiting for the sea to have the right wind on it, allowed the “Constitution” to slip away from a confrontation with a famous British war ship and arrive safely in Boston Harbor. Many heroic war ships can be seen in the exhibit.

Another powerful work of interest is by James Guy Evans, titled “U.S. Ships of Line and Frigates” “Delaware and North Carolina,” “Brandywine” and “Constellation” an oil on canvas circa 1825. It commemorated American military power during the period.

“Fishing in a Catboat in Great South Bay,” an oil on canvas circa 1871 by Junius Brutus Sterns, has the lyrical beauty of an early Winslow Homer work depicting people in pursuit of pleasure in a sailboat on the sea.

“New York Harbor, N.Y.,” an oil on canvas created in 1880 by Francis Augustus Silva is a romantic view of the harbor and used on the cover of the catalogue. It has a J.M.W.Turner quality in its use of soft color and the depiction of the light and shade in the work.

The many changes of the sea can be seen clearly in the paintings in this exhibit. Some views of the sea are poetic; others  are stately, and some  explore the drama and ferocious power of the sea. The serenity of the beauty of the Hudson River is also depicted in many paintings. All views of the waterways of East Coast are awe inspiring and relaxing to see.

This exhibit was organized by the New York Historical Society and showcases many of its important works.

It brings to Maine works we would not be able to see unless we traveled to New York, but relates to Maine because of its subject matter, the sea. It is worth a visit to see this exhibit, during this cold and stormy winter in Maine. You might call it a “safe harbor” of creativity and beauty from another century.

A beautiful hard cover catalogue with many colored plates is available at the museum on the exhibit written by Linda Ferber, Curator and Vice President and Senior Art Historian of the Museum of the New York Historical Society.

The exhibit is on until April 26. 

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students with I.D.’s $6  for youths ages 13 to17, children 12 and under free of charge.  For more information call 207-775-6148.