View on the Mississippi

Description

A restless and meandering river, the Mississippi has changed its course many times in the years since Bodmer traveled it. Along its winding channel are numerous old bends that at one time were part of the main course of the river but are now cut off from it. Thus it is difficult to place some of Bodmer's views of the Mississippi without the aid of a dated inscription or other identification. sketching such scenes not only helped Bodmer to pass the time on shipboard, but were also done to document the appearance of the Mississippi below the mouth of the Ohio for the benefit of Prince Maximilian, who did not see it for himself