Midwinter Departure

The SS Unites States represents the absolute pinnacle of American maritime engineering and 1950s luxury. Built in 1952 with a secret military design, this massive vessel was constructed to serve as a fast troop transport in times of war. On her maiden voyage, she shattered all records by crossing the Atlantic Ocean in just over three days, earning the prestigious Blue Riband.

As America’s undisputed flagship, the “Big U” routinely braved the most brutal conditions the North Atlantic could throw at her. Even in the dead of winter, when freezing temperatures and heavy ice paralyzed the busy harbors, this ocean giant maintained her rigorous schedule. Her reinforced hull and unmatched power allowed her to dominate the seas while passengers enjoyed world-class luxury inside.

This unstoppable spirit is captured in “Midwinter Departure,” which shows the ship leaving her Pier in Manhattan, through the ice-choked waters of New York harbor. Maarten Platje masterfully brings this historic, sub-zero scene to life, emphasizing the sheer scale of the ship against the frozen elements. The artwork honors a time when giant ocean liners ruled the waves, regardless of the season.

With the real ship now preparing for its final transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef, this scene preserves her active glory days forever. Bringing this powerful piece of maritime history into your home or office keeps the legacy of America’s greatest ocean liner alive.