AMERICAN SCHOOL PAINTING
OF
“HANNAH LITTLE”
BY ARCHIBALD CAREY SMITH 1837-1911
OIL ON CANVAS
Oil on canvas 19th Century
Viewing area 39 1/2″ x 25 1/2″ Framed 46″ x 32″ x 2″
Signed: bottom right, Smith Dated: 1866
Presented
is a beautiful and very large oil painting of the sailing vessel, “Hannah Little”, by Archibald Cary Smith, (September 4, 1837, December 8, 1911). Although we’ve been unable to locate any information about the schooner “Hannah Little”, Archibald Carey Smith had a considerable career as both a painter of marine work and yachting scenes, but was best known, (professionally known as A. Cary Smith), as a naval architect and marine engineer. He studied marine painting for a time but became well known for his innovative design work. He is recognized as the first American to develop the concept of designing a yacht on paper using calculations and comparisons, a method of drafting that has been followed ever since for the construction of yachts and taught in many universities. He designed the first iron yacht in America. In his 55-year career, he designed dozens of yachts.
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CONDITION:
The frame is old and was in poor condition when received by us. We subsequently had it repaired and the painting securely installed in the frame. There is some discoloration on the gold gilding of this very old frame, but with its ornate and very decorative brass/bronze corners, is a substantial and impressive frame. We believe it is original as it suits this painting exceptionally well. There is some loss of gilding along its edges. The painting is in excellent condition without any “in painting” or repairs. There is very minor and barely visible crackelore evident.
Back showing the original stretcher
Showing back detail of the frame: upper right and left
