Fine quality mid 19th century period oil on canvas painting; American School depicting a schooner in full sail at sea; resembling the popular yacht, and first America’s Cup winner “The America” in 1851. The “two mast ship” was designed for speed and was a very popular and ubiquitous scene in the mid to late 1800’s off the shores of Nantucket and Newport Rhode Island, as the wealthy congregated to those seaside meccas to display and race their newly built yachts with one and other, to possibly prepare for another “America’s Cup” challenge; just as they still do today. Note the other similarly rigged smaller ship in the background of the picture to the right. The painting is meticulously detailed with “all hands on deck”; a crew of about six or eight at work, and two smaller lifeboats visible at the center and rear of the boat (see images). The crew size was typical of a boat of this size and purpose. An American flag and two additional colorful flags are attached at the masts and sails. The painting is in all original bright paint and strong colors, with a beautiful blue sky, deep blue sea, off white sails, and a black hull (same as “The America”). The picture is all original and there is a beautiful patina, and just the appropriate amount of craquelure to verify 19th century artistry and origin. Elegantly mounted in it’s original gold and black frame with cock beading, the painting is suitable for both antique and contemporary settings and placement.
The picture is unsigned, albeit very well executed and proudly exhibiting (via full frame) a mid-19th century schooner/yacht.
Dimensions: 12″ high x 16″ wide x 1 3/4″ deep
(With frame) dimensions: 15 1/2″ high x 19 1/2″ wide
Provenance: A prominent New York Estate 1995 to my own collection.