Burning of the Sidewheeler Henry Clay

The painting depicts a large riverboat on fire. The riverboat has three levels, with a paddle wheel at the back and an American flag flying. Large clouds of black smoke billow from the middle and front of the boat. The boat is labeled "HENRY CLAY" on the paddle wheel housing. People are gathered on the shore to the right, watching the fire. A smaller boat is in front of the burning boat, and another large riverboat and a small sailboat are on the water to the left. The shore in the background has trees and another large riverboat. The sky is blue with white clouds.