Framed Discovery of the Mississippi by William Powell

Product Overview:

• Proudly handmade in the USA
• Wood frame with mat, glass front, paper duster backing with wire hanger
• Museum quality Giclee digital print using archival paper and inks
• Standard size frame measures approx. 24" wide x 15.5" tall
• Poster size frame measures approx. 36" wide x 23" tall

Frame Details:

We currently offer two lines of frames:

• Solid Wood Frames: Country Black Frame (main photo) or Grey Barnwood.
• Eco-Friendly BonanzaWood® Frames: Pitch Black, White American Barn, or Montauk Boardwalk. These eco-friendly frames provide the finish, look, and longevity of solid wood, yet are constructed of millions of tons of residual wood which is collected, cleaned and milled to uniform-size particles and formed to shape under intense heat and pressure.

Product Details:

Discovery of the Mississippi by William Henry Powell is a monumental painting completed in 1855. It was commissioned by the United States Congress to decorate the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the European exploration of North America. The painting depicts the arrival of the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his expedition at the Mississippi River in 1541. This event marked one of the earliest documented European encounters with the great river. De Soto is shown riding a white horse, a symbol of authority, power, and civilization, as he surveys the river and the gathered Native Americans. The scene takes place on the banks of the Mississippi River, with the natural surroundings serving as a backdrop. A Native American village is visible, with structures and people watching the arrival of the Spanish party. The painting celebrates European exploration and territorial expansion, capturing a moment of first contact with the uncharted wilderness of the New World.