Oil on canvas                                                 20th
Century

Unframed 24″ L x 12″                                  Framed
32″ x 20″

Signed F. Thomas B (illegible)                    LR                                      

Presented is a classic painting of
an unidentified extreme barque rigged clipper ship under full sails. She is sailing close to the wind,
gracefully cutting through medium seas with a “bone in her teeth”. There are a large number of other sailing vessels
in the background  so that she is likely approaching a major port. From the truck of her main and fore mast fly
two pennants, one of which is likely the House Flag, and the other a “homing pennant”. A U.S. ensign with thirty
stars, fly’s from her mizzen. 

The sky is a brilliant blue with many fair weather clouds. A truly
majestic ship done in the ship portrait style of the 1850’s. On the lower right, it is signed F. Thomas “B” which then
become illegible. A heavy custom wood and gilded frame is included. The condition of the painting
is excellent and shows a great deal of crackleure.

Sweeping Aft Section

Graceful Bow

 

 

Back of painting

 

SHIP PORTRAITS
were done by master painters of many nationalities and provide a lasting remembrance of a romantic and beautiful period of
ocean commerce. Some of the better known American painters who recorded this period of our history were James
and Thomas Butterworth, Antonio Jacobsen, Fitz Hugh Lane, John Stobart and William Stubbs to mention only a few.

There were numerous other artists
who painted  portraits of vessels throughout Europe and the Orient. Many did not sign their works. Some of
these paintings like the Chinese and Italian School 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.