CLASSIC PAINTING OF FOUR AMERICAN SAILING SHIPS 20th C

This Fine Painting Has Been Sold. Thank You! FOUR AMERICAN SHIPS OIL ON CANVAS 20th Cent.

Oil on canvas                                          20th Century

Unframed 24" L x 20"                             Framed 32" x 28"

Signed Molyneux                                    LR

Presented is a classic painting of four unidentified sailing ships in a scene that portrays what may have occurred in the early 1800's. The vessel in the center may arguably be a yacht or a gaff headed sloop rigged smack (a fishing vessel) on a broad reach. She is flying the U.S. Ensign from her gaff. First, off her starboard bow, is a sloop to windward that is hard on the wind on a starboard tack. She to is showing the U.S. flag. Next to the smack's starboard beam is a frigate somewhat like the class of seven that were in our Federal Navy around 1812. The frigate is sailing close hauled on the port tack with reefed uppers. The U.S. Ensign fly's from her mizzen, and a jack fly's from her foremast truck. To the left, or port, of the smack, is a brig sailing downwind under full sails on her foremast and furled lowers on her main mast. All the ships are heeling to leeward and indicate a stiff breeze is blowing.

The sky is a brilliant blue with many fair weather clouds. A truly breath taking work done in the style of the early 1800's. On the lower right, it is signed Molyneux. A heavy custom wood and gilded frame is included. The condition of the painting is excellent and shows a great deal of crackleure, but it should be considered a recent work done in the style of the period.

The smack and frigate

Brig off the port bow

Signed Molyneux lower right

Back of picture

SHIP PORTRAITS AND SEASCAPES were a favorite subject of master painters of many nationalities and provide a lasting remembrance of a romantic and beautiful period when sailing ships ruled the oceans. 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.

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A ship portrait in the classic style of an American sailing ship scene of the early 1800's.