James Bard

James Bard (1815–1897) was an American painter renowned for his detailed and precise depictions of steamboats. Born in New York City, Bard, along with his twin brother John, became a prominent figure in the American Folk Art movement. The Bard brothers were largely self-taught and developed a distinctive style characterized by meticulous attention to the technical aspects of the vessels they portrayed. James Bard's work is significant for its historical documentation of 19th-century American maritime culture, capturing the evolution of steamboat design during a period of rapid industrial growth. His paintings are valued not only for their artistic merit but also for their contribution to the historical record of American transportation history. Bard's legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which remains a vital resource for historians and enthusiasts of maritime history.