Lighthouse near Natchez on the Mississippi River

Description

The city of Natchez, where the Homer stopped for an hour to take on wood, was later described by Bodmer as "a bad and dirty place, notorious on account of its gamblers and disorderly women." The climatic change experienced downriver from Memphis made a distinct impression on the young Swiss artist, who afterward reported to Maximilian that "we came in two days from total winter into the most beautiful spring!" On the return voyage during the latter part of January, Bodmer spent approximately eight days at Natchez. His view of the lighthouse near Natchez, seen from the opposite side of the river, suggests his flair for the dramatic in landscapes.