Oilon canvas  20th
Century

Unframed 23″ L x 17 1/2″ H                            Framed
32 3/4″ x 26 3/4″

Signed by initials “J.D.”
LR

Presented is a classic painting of
an unidentified extreme clipper ship under all her sails, but the furled mizzen course. She is gallantly sailing on a beam reach and gracefully cutting through medium seas. There are a number of other sailing vessels in the background so that she is likely approaching a major port. From the truck of her main mast fly’s the House Flag, “HIA” and the American flag, with an indistinguishable number of stars, fly’s from her mizzen. The sky is a brilliant blue with many fair weather clouds. A truly majestic ship done in the China Trade style and signed by the initials “J.D.” in the
lower right. The painting comes in a very heavy carved wood gilded frame and weighs an impressive 17 pounds. The frame alone would cost $300.00 to replace. The condition of the painting is excellent.

House flag, “NIH” and American ensign

CHINA TRADE PAINTINGS:
There were numerous artists who painted  portraits of Western vessels throughout the Orient and some migrated to Europe to practice their craft. Most did not sign their works. Their paintings were somewhat flat in their style, and more simply executed than European and American artists. Frequently the ships and landscapes in the backgrounds gave an indication of where they were painted. The paintings may have age crackles in their varnish, and many of them are in poor condition
requiring restoration. They were usually presented with a carved wooden frame, in the so called Chinese Chippendale.

A classic China Trade style painting of an American Clipper Ship that approaching port.